The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has threatened to "respond appropriately," spreading false accusations against Ukraine allegedly preparing provocations in unrecognised Transnistria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation stated on February 24 that the Ministry of Defence of Russia had detected a "significant build-up of Ukrainian troops and military vehicles near the "Ukrainian-Transnistrian border, the deployment of artillery at firing positions and an "unprecedented increase in the flights of uncrewed aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine" over the territory of unrecognised Transnistria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia has also warned the US, NATO, and Ukraine against "other adventurous steps" and threatened a response.

"The armed forces of the Russian Federation will respond appropriately to the impending provocation of the Ukrainian side if it does happen. It will provide protection for our compatriots, the Russian peacekeeping contingent, servicemen of the Operational Group of Russian troops and military depots in Kolbasna, Transnistria. Any actions that pose a threat to their security will be considered in accordance with international law as an attack on the Russian Federation," the ministry stated.

On February 23, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated twice that Ukraine was preparing a false-flag attack in Moldova's (Ukr) breakaway region of Transnistria and to pin the blame on Russia.

On February 24, the Ministry of Defence of Moldova denied the statement of the Russian side (Ukr) about Ukraine's alleged preparation of a provocation in Transnistria.