On Friday, a Russian general publicly announced plans to also invade and occupy the Transnistria region of Moldova, despite the opposition force their troops have been met with from Ukrainians.

Acting commander of Russia’s Central Military District, Brigadier General Rustam Minnekayev, said the Russian Armed Forces plan to “make passage” into Moldova’s East.

The area borders Ukraine and is less than 30 miles from the port city of Odessa. The plan is to create a “land corridor to Crimea” Russian media reported. The corridor allegedly would connect Russia’s mainland to Transnistria.

The New York Times reports the Moldovan government has been concerned with an attempt by Russia for years, as Transnistria is “a thin sliver of territory that is controlled by at least 12,000 separatists and Russian troops.”

Additionally, the Times adds “since the war erupted, the Moldovan and Ukrainian militaries have faced the extra concern of whether the Transnistrians were going to jump into the battle and start attacking Ukraine from the west. So far, that has not happened.”

Moscow holds “nearly 100 percent of Moldova’s energy supply.” Immediately after the General’s comments, the Moldovan government “summoned the Russian ambassador to complain about the general’s statement, saying it was ‘not only unacceptable but also unfounded’ ad led to ‘increased tension.”