Why did Transdniestria declare independence from Moldova in 1990?

Transdniestria declared independence from Moldova in 1990 primarily due to the political instability and ethnic tensions that emerged as the Soviet Union began to collapse.12

Following the decline of Soviet authority, the Russian-speaking population residing east of the Dniester River sought to separate from the newly forming Moldovan state. This move was part of a broader trend of regional fragmentation, similar to the actions taken by the Gagauz people in the south. The declaration of independence by the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Republic led to a brief civil war, which concluded with a 1992 cease-fire.132

Despite the cessation of active hostilities, the region remains a separatist enclave that is not recognized by the international community. Tensions have persisted for decades, fueled by the presence of Russian troops in the security zone and the region's control over significant industrial assets and electricity supplies vital to Moldova.4132