What is life like in Transnistria, the last Soviet stronghold in Europe?

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Transnistria is an unrecognised, separatist state on the territory of Moldova. Its independence is recognised only by Abkhazia, the Republic of Artsakh and South Ossetia, so regions that have limited recognition themselves.

In Transnistria, the majority of people speak Russian as opposed to Moldovan and the region has its own currency, the Transnistrian ruble. The republic also issues its own Transnistrian passports to its citizens but as Vlad, a man who was born and raised there, told me, people who live have dual citizenship of Transnistria and Moldova.

To reach Transnistria, it is necessary to go through a border crossing where foreigners are issued short-term visas. The validity of the visa depends on how much time one wants to spend there.

What makes Transnistria unique is the fact that, to this day, the republic is a Soviet stronghold and it seems like not much has changed there since the USSR fell. For example, hammer and sickle symbols can be observed everywhere, including on the republic’s official flag. Similarly, Lenin statues can be found at every corner.

Statue of Lenin in front of the building of the Transnistria Parliament

Statue of Lenin and the Transnistria Parliament in Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria

The emblem of the USSR at the main square in Tiraspol

Streets of Tiraspol, Transnistria’s biggest city

The outskirts of Tiraspol

Rural Transnistria

Soviet stars on a gate to someone’s property

An abandoned Soviet school

Broken windows in the abandoned school

Soviet military training posters

Flag of Transnistria with hammer and sickle symbol


Transnistria is like no other place in Europe and when walking around Tiraspol and smaller cities one is under the impression that they went back in time to Soviet times.

Living in this state stuck in frozen-conflict, not recognised by any UN member is not easy as there are few jobs available and university degrees received in Transnistria are not recognised anywhere else.

That is why most young people go to the capital of Moldova or to Russia to study and then build their lives elsewhere. In turn, Transnistria, already abandoned by the international community, is also being left behind by its own people.



About the author:

Katarzyna Rybarczyk is a Political Correspondent for Immigration Advice Service, an immigration law firm operating globally and providing legal aid to forcibly displaced persons. Through her articles, she aims to raise awareness about security threats worldwide and the challenges facing communities living in low and middle-income countries.