@buddy larsen:
Russia is currently trying to forge a deal between Chisinau and Transdniestrian separatists which would keep the rebel region as part of Moldova but give it broad autonomy.

Keeping it as part of Moldova… so as to have maximum leverage for calibrating the inflicted pain to the maximum extent, of course. Lesson learned: for Russians, “finally solving” a conflict means maximally extending the punishment they can impose. Is this what is called “Realism” in foreign affairs?