Pro-Russian separatist authorities within the breakaway area of Transnistria, Moldova, reported on Sunday that an explosion at a navy website was seemingly triggered by a drone launched from Ukraine.
Transnistria, predominantly Russian-speaking and traditionally reliant on Moscow's assist, declared independence from Moldova following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
In a social media statement, authorities claimed: "Today a fire occurred on the territory of a military base in Tiraspol as a result of an explosion.
"It was preliminarily established that the explosion was brought on by a kamikaze drone assault."
Officials are saying the drone originated from Ukraine's Odesa area, although Kyiv has since blamed Russia. In an announcement, a Ukraine authorities official stated Moscow "carried out a provocation in Transnistria with a kamikaze drone assault on a navy base"
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It added: "Russians try to hold out provocations and manipulate the data area by spreading fakes."
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, and separatist officials have initiated a criminal investigation.
As of now, there has been no response from Kyiv or Moscow regarding the explosion.
Last month, Transnistria sought "safety" from Russia, heightening issues that the area may escalate tensions between Moscow and neighboring Ukraine.
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Transnistria is pro-Russian, in contrast to wider Moldova. Moldova released a statement dismissing these concerns, claiming it as a propaganda move and that there is no risk of escalation.
In 2006, the separatist territory conducted a referendum on integration with Russia, resulting in an overwhelming majority in favor of such a move.
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