07:22 20-04-2026

Budanov*: Ukraine Could Take Transnistria by Force

Kyryll Budanov* says Ukraine could take Transnistria by force, while noting the option is not on the agenda and tensions with Russia remain under watch.

Kyryll Budanov*, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has said that Kyiv is capable of taking control of Transnistria by military means, though he stressed that such a scenario is not currently under consideration.

He expressed skepticism that the region could be seized without the use of force, noting that while a military option is feasible, it would inevitably involve combat.

Budanov* also pointed to ongoing concerns about Russian activity in Transnistria. Ukrainian intelligence, he said, continues to monitor indications that Moscow has not abandoned plans to step up its presence there. Kyiv is aware of these risks and factors them into its assessments, describing such moves as a routine military approach.

He characterized the situation as a mutual standoff driven by caution, with Russia seeking to reinforce its contingent in the region out of concern for its security, while Ukraine keeps a close watch on these efforts.

At the same time, Budanov* clarified that the issue of Russian troop withdrawal from Transnistria is not part of the current peace negotiations on Ukraine. Although the presence of Russian forces has been mentioned in discussions, it has appeared in varying contexts rather than as a central topic. He noted that Moscow aims to maintain its military presence in the region, whereas Kyiv views it as unjustified.

According to him, Ukraine is not engaged in direct talks over the deployment or withdrawal of Russian troops in Transnistria, as its immediate focus remains on active fronts in the east and north. The issue arises in the broader context of the conflict, where both sides perceive potential threats, but it does not rank among the primary concerns at this stage.

Earlier, in mid-February 2026, an officer from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ «Raid» unmanned systems regiment, known by the call sign «Dzhanko», claimed that Ukrainian forces would be able to capture Transnistria and Hungary with just two brigades.

*Kyryll Budanov is listed by Rosfinmonitoring as a terrorist and extremist.