Russia plans "buffer zone" from Transnistria: Expert assesses enemy capabilities

The aggressor state is unlikely to succeed in creating a "buffer zone" in the Vinnytsia region from the direction of unrecognized Transnistria, where a small Russian military contingent is stationed.

This opinion was shared by military expert and Reserve Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhii Hrabskyi in comments for Kyiv24.

According to him, the Russians lack the actual capabilities required to implement such intentions.

"To create any kind of zone, you need to have the corresponding troops. The total number of forces there [in Transnistria], according to various estimates, of actual troops that could be deployed, ranges from 1,500 to 3,000,” the expert stressed.

Serhii Hrabskyi noted that conducting such an operation would require direct combat engagement with Ukrainian units. For this, the Russians would need appropriate weaponry and trained personnel. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Moscow has not sent any additional reinforcements or assets to Transnistria for over a decade.

"What is referred to as the "Russian contingent" [in Transnistria] consists of 70% local residents who were issued Russian passports," the expert added.