The U.S. Embassy in Moldova is calling for a breakaway region to be demilitarized after a local man was shot dead by a Russian peacekeeper.
The embassy on Thursday urged Russian and Moldovan authorities to avoid escalating tensions after the 18-year-old was killed Jan. 1 in Trans-Dniester, when peacekeepers say he ignored an order to stop his car at a checkpoint.
The death led to protests against Moscow’s role in the region’s 1,500-member international peacekeeping force, which includes about 500 Russian troops.
Trans-Dniester broke away in 1990 over fears that Moldova planned to reunite with Romania. It is not recognized internationally.
