Moldova's government has summoned the Russian ambassador to the country to express its concern over Moscow's bid to take full control of southern Ukraine.

On Friday, the deputy commander of Russia's central military district said full control of the south of Ukraine will improve access to Transdniestria, a pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova.

Transdniestria, which borders the west of Ukraine, unilaterally declared independence from Moldova in 1990. Russian troops have since been stationed there.

In a statement issued on Friday, Moldova's government said the remarks by the Russian commander are "unfounded and contradict the position of the Russian Federation supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the republic of Moldova."

The statement added that during the meeting with the Russian diplomat, Moldova reiterated its position as a neutral state. Moldova said, "This principle must be respected by all international actors, including the Russian Federation."