DISINFO: Ukraine wants to exchange Crimea for Transnistria
SUMMARY
Ukraine is considering the possibility of trading Russian annexed Crimea for Transnistria, the pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova that is home to some half a million people.
RESPONSE
Ukraine has never had any territorial pretensions concerning Transnistria. The background for this disinformation story was a Ukrainian parliamentarian questioning a proposal by Moldovan president Igor Dodon. While visiting Moscow recently, Dodon said that in case Moldova loses its statehood, Transnistria must be given the right to self-determination. He outlined two scenarios: Transnistria could become a part of Moldova or a part of Ukraine, as outright independence or becoming part of the Russian Federation are unrealistic prospects for the breakaway territory. Responding to Dodon’s interview, Ukrainian MP Iryna Friz posted a response on her Facebook page expressing incredulity at his proposition, particularly in light of the fact that Ukraine has always considered Transnistria an integral part of Moldova. Friz wonders if perhaps Dodon’s suggestion is a signal from the Kremlin on trading Transnistria for Crimea and advises him to spend more time defending the territorial integrity of Moldova and less time making dubious proposals. Further debunking at Stopfake.org www.stopfake.org/en/fake-ukraine-wants-to-exchange-crimea-for-transdnistria/, .