Russia’s latest focus is Transnistria, an unrecognised breakaway republic on Moldova’s south-eastern border with Ukraine. On Monday the region’s state-security ministry in Tiraspol, its self-proclaimed capital, was shelled. Two explosions on Tuesday wrecked antennas for Russian radio in the village of Maiac. They may have been false-flag attacks. Russian units in the area were reportedly mobilised. Moldova’s government fears it could be dragged into the war. Why is Transnistria of importance to Russia ?

