Transnistria - the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) When the former Soviet Socialist Republic Moldova was heading for its independence from the Soviet union in 1992, the Transnistrian area in turn tried to gain autonomy from Moldova. This struggle ended in July 1992 and the area on the Eastern bank of the Dniester river gained a degree of self-governance albeit monitored by Russia and Moldova.
The country is semi-autonomous and has its own government, president, flag and of course some armed forces, heavily supported by Russia. Many traces of its Russian lineage can be found throughout the country. The population consists of three main ethnic groups, Moldovans, Russians and Ukrainians.
Armed Forces of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic The armed forces obviously inherited Soviet material. Up to sixteen aircraft were used over the years. An-2, An-26, Mi-2, Mi-8M and, Yak-52. Of these, only two Mi-2 and two Yak-52s are believed to be operable. All are either stored or based at Tiraspol airfield.