The population of Transdniestr is about half Romanian, with the other half mostly ethnic Russians and Ukrainians.
I think even now most Moldovans will disagree with assertion that they are Romanians. Population census of 2004 puts population of Transdniestr at 555,500 (compare with 679,000 in 1989) with 31,9% Moldovans, 30,3% Russians and 28,8% Ukrainians.
>70,0000 carry Ukrainian passport. Interestingly enough, in presendent's elections they voted overwhelmingly against Yushchenko. This year Ukraine decided not to open polling stations in Transdniestr for parliamentary elections.
Technically speaking, yes they are "ethnic" Moldovan, although if that's an ethnicity so is Moldavian, Maramuresian and Crisanan.
I guess the best delimeter is the language spoken and yes Moldovan is considered a separate language than Romanian, although it is virtually identical.
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