The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Ukraine is allegedly preparing provocations "using radioactive elements" near non-recognised Transnistria. 

"Russian Defence Ministry has brought to attention the provocations that the Kyiv regime is preparing in order to blame the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in alleged targeting of radiation-hazardous objects, which can lead to leakage of radioactive elements and contamination of the environment… It cannot be ignored that such events are taking place near Transnistria, where Kyiv is deliberately aggravating the situation," Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affair, said.

The Moldovan government called Zakharova’s statement a lie. "The state institutions are monitoring the situation and do not confirm the position propagated by the Russian side," reads the message on the government’s Telegram channel.

The Moldovan authorities also called on citizens to remain calm and follow the official sources of information. 

Russia has blamed Ukraine numerous times for the last couple of weeks.

In particular, on 23 February, the Russian Defence Ministry falsely accused Ukraine’s Armed Forces of planning to carry out an armed provocation in Transnistria. Moldovan and Ukrainian governments rejected the accusations.