A rare look inside Transnistria, the breakaway republic that borders Ukraine led by Russian-backed separatists
Transnistria broke away from the Republic of Moldova in 1992, aided by Russian intervention.
Although declaring itself a "state," it is not recognized by any other country.
Insider traveled there to see what life is like on the ground.
TIRASPOL, TRANSNISTRIA — Just 48 hours before unidentified actors carried out attacks in late April in Transnistria, Insider traveled to the Kremlin-backed breakaway republic — inside Moldova, along the border with Ukraine — to see what life is like in a territory that is home to roughly 1,500 Russian soldiers.
Transnistria is a Russian-backed separatist region in Moldova.
It borders Ukraine and is home to more than 300,000 people.
Transnistria declared itself an independent nation after a brief war in 1992.
The war came after Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union.
Newly independent Moldova had declared Romanian to be its official language.
Russia then intervened, ostensibly to protect the rights of Russian speakers in Transnistria.
Transnistria's claimed sovereignty is not recognized by any nation, including Russia.
But at least 1,500 Russian troops are believed to be stationed in the region as "peacekeepers."
Peacekeepers with armored vehicles are stationed at the de facto border between Moldova and Transnistria.
Transnistria is not able to stamp passports, so foreign visitors are issued a piece of paper informing them how long they can stay.
When Insider visited, authorities asked no questions about the reporter's US passport, allowing them to stay for up to 12 hours.
Soon after Insider's visit, Transnistrian authorities reported a series of explosions that they blamed on outside elements.
Russian officials have claimed they intend to conquer southern Ukraine in part to connect Transnistria to Crimea.
Russia's stated intentions have sparked concern that a new war could break out in Transnistria.
Transnistria was the most heavily industrialized part of Moldova under the Soviet Union.
Today it continues to provide the majority of Moldova's electricity, powered by free Russian gas.
Transnistria has a military of its own, believed to number up to 10,000 soldiers, with many more available on reserve.
It is also home to one of the largest ammunition depots in Europe, a relic of the Soviet Union that Russia has cited to justify its military presence.
In late April, Transnistrian authorities claimed the area around the arms depot was attacked and that surveillance drones had been launched from Ukraine.
Ukraine denies that it has launched any attacks inside Transnistria.
Some military experts believe the alleged attacks have been carried out by Russia to either justify intervention or divert Ukraine's attention.
The attacks have contributed to a desire by Moldovan authorities to strengthen their military capabilities.
Transnistrian authorities have long expressed a desire to join Russia, with Russian flags hanging on government buildings in the capital, Tiraspol.
But Transnistrian officials have not explicitly endorsed Russia's intervention in Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of Ukrainians live in Transnistria, including recent refugees.
The only public sign of the war in Ukraine are the Ukrainian license plates on vehicles driven by recent arrivals.
Despite its political isolation, the region does not appear more economically depressed than Moldova.
Clean streets are lined with cinemas, cafes, and restaurants.
The streets are also full of modern luxury vehicles.
What you won't find in Transnistria are many international corporations, with Russian banks dominating the financial sector.
Many in Transnistria enjoy Russian, Moldovan, and Romanian citizenship, the latter allowing them to travel visa-free to Europe.
Despite Russia's support, Transnistria enjoys close connections with Europe, with a majority of its exports going to the European Union.
Insider witnessed European Union projects intended to boost Transnistria's tourism industry.
Russian soldiers and local volunteers collaborate at military bases in Transnistria.
Military equipment can be see from a tower at the Ottoman-era fortress in Bender.
Although they undergo regular combat exercises, troops in Transnistria rely on old, Soviet-era equipment.
The majority of Transnistria is located on the eastern side of the Dniester River.
For the last 30 years, residents have been taught that Moldova tried to wipe out the area's Russian speakers.
Nearly all business in Transnistria is controlled by oligarchs, with the "Sheriff" brand on supermarkets and football stadiums.
Moldovan authorities have suggested there is an elite split in Transnistria between military and economic powers.
Despite some uses of Soviet-era imagery, Transnistria practices Russian-style capitalism.
Leaders are more nostalgic for the pre-communist Russian Empire than they are for the Soviet Union.
Russian and Transnistrian flags wave in Suvorov Square in Tiraspol, the self-proclaimed capital.
Photographing government buildings in Transnistria is discouraged.
On a Saturday in April, streets were full of cars, including a BMW drivers' club, and sidewalks full of pedestrians.
Tiraspol hosts consulates for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two other Russian-allied separatist regions not recognized by the international community.
A menu advertises Russian and Ukrainian cuisine in Tiraspol.
Because it is not an internally recognized state, Transnistria cannot have its currency produced by reputable printers, forcing it to turn to plastic tokens like those used in casinos.
The airport in Tiraspol is not open to commercial aviation and was recently the target of a claimed attack.
In light of recent explosions, Moldovan authorities have stepped up searches of vehicles leaving Transnistria.
A monument to the 18th-century Russian general Alexander Suvorov is located in the center of Tiraspol.
Transnistria is formally known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.
New buildings feature modern architecture that would not be out of place in US or European cities.
The House of Soviets in Tiraspol is today used as the city hall.
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