CHISINAU, February 28. /TASS/. Transnistria hopes for Russia's diplomatic support in settling relations with Moldova, said Vitaly Ignatiev, the foreign minister of the unrecognized nation.

He was commenting on the decision to ask Moscow for assistance that was made by a convention of lawmakers from all levels of government.

"Firstly, it’s about seeking diplomatic support for Transnistria. We are saying that Russia is a responsible guarantor in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict," he said in an interview with Rossiya 24 television.

He said Russian peacekeepers maintain security on the banks of the Dniester and that Moscow participates in the "five plus two" negotiating format, which includes Moldova, Transniestria, OSCE, Russia, Ukraine, along with EU and US observers.

"We expect Russia to take into account the fact that more than 220,000 Russian citizens and hundreds of thousands of compatriots live in Transnistria. All these people hope that Russia will continue to play an active role in the talks. I would like to note that all these measures of economic pressure are being implemented [by Chisinau] Moldova refuses to participate in the negotiating process. The five-plus-two format has essentially been frozen by the Moldovan side. It also turns down meetings at the level of top leadership," the minister said.

Relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol began to steadily deteriorate in 2020 after the election of Maia Sandu as Moldovan president and her harsh statements against Tiraspol. The situation has been exacerbated at the start of this year after Moldova decided to levy duties on goods heading to Transnistria. After Ukraine closed the Transnistrian section of its border with Moldova in 2022, goods can only enter Transnistria through Chisinau-controlled territory. Tiraspol accused Chisinau of using Transnistria's vulnerable position to block supplies of goods and exercise pressure.