Moldova protests Russian election plans in Transnistria amid security and legal operations

Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Russian plans to open unauthorised polling stations in breakaway Transnistria for Moscow's upcoming September legislative elections, calling the uncoordinated move a breach of national sovereignty.

Concurrently, Moldovan police intercepted an illicit smuggling network in the northern region, confiscating nearly 1.9 million contraband cigarettes following searches targeting two suspects aged 56 and 66.

Meanwhile, education and health authorities launched a public awareness campaign warning parents about the risks nicotine pouches pose to youth development. The initiative comes after tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris introduced the product shortly before a statutory ban, claiming its legal interpretation permits sales through June 2027.

Sources: HotNews, Moldova1, Point, Ziarul de Gardă.