Military expert Yury Knutov believes the mining of the Ukrainian-Transnistrian border may point to Kiev’s plans to seize Transnistria.

In his view, the Ukrainian authorities want to eliminate what he describes as a pro-Russian foothold in the region. Knutov argues that the placement of mines is itself a provocation, designed to create the impression that Kiev is not preparing an offensive.

According to the expert, a plan to occupy the territory is realistic, and Kiev is highly interested in it because it would gain access to warehouses and remove a pro-Russian presence on Ukraine’s western border.

Knutov also noted that the Russian force stationed in Transnistria is small and would not be able to resist the Ukrainian army on its own. He did not rule out that a possible operation could be developed by Ukraine together with Moldova. In his assessment, any attempt to seize the region would likely involve strikes from two directions at once.

The expert believes Kiev has the necessary resources to carry out such plans.

Earlier, Valery Gebos, head of the Ministry of State Security of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, said the Ukrainian side continues mining the border area.