How Ukraine Is Obstructing Russia in Transdniestria

Ukraine is allegedly planning to deploy S-300 air defense systems around Odessa, near the Transdniestrian border, according to a June 10 report from Odessa-based Timer magazine. Rhetoric surrounding the Russia-supported Moldovan breakaway territory of Transdniestria has grown more aggressive as the territory gains significance in the standoff between Russia and the West. The territory's location — between Ukraine and Moldova proper — has made it important for both sides as they attempt to improve their security positions and political leverage in the competition for influence in the former Soviet periphery.

Although there is no immediate threat of military conflict between Ukraine and Transdniestria, the Russian military presence in the breakaway territory is an important piece of the wider competition between Russia and the West. The deployment of air defense systems in Ukraine's Odessa region could affect Russia's ability to move supplies and rotate forces in Transdniestria, especially since Russian military convoys are not allowed to travel across Ukrainian soil anymore.