Moldova, Romania Part of West's Anti-Russian 'Geopolitical Game' - Dodon

CHISINAU (Sputnik) — On Thursday, Moldovan authorities banned a group of Russian citizens from entering, including individuals heading to Transnistria to participate in celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the peacekeeping mission in the region. Earlier on Friday, Romania refused to allow a Russian plane bound for Chisinau to enter its airspace because Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is on a sanctions list, was on board.

"In recent days we have witnessed an unprecedented Russophobic show. It is targeting the citizens of Moldova and our strategic partner Russia. This will backfire on those who organized it. Every action breeds reaction… Chisinau and Bucharest are part of the geopolitical game of the West and NATO targeting Russia," Dodon said at a briefing.

Dodon added that NATO did not seem to be interested in solving the issue of the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria, because it would mean that NATO would not appear in the region.

"They do not want that. Their game has nothing in common with the interests of Moldovan citizens," Dodon said.

Earlier in July, Dodon said that NATO membership was unacceptable for Moldova, which needed to remain neutral.

Transnistria declared its independence from Moldova in 1990, which led to an armed conflict. The ceasefire was reached in 1992, but the conflict has not reached full resolution.