The head of Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, has said the West is actively pushing for Moldova to join the conflict in Ukraine so it can "mop up" Transdniestria, a pro-Russian breakaway region in eastern Moldova.

Russian media say FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov made the remark on Thursday during a meeting of security agency heads in the Belarusian capital Minsk.

Bortnikov is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest aides.

Transdniestria, situated along the border with Ukraine, has unilaterally declared independence from Moldova. Russia holds strong influence over the region and has troops stationed there.

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last year, the pro-Western government of President Maia Sandu in Moldova has been in a state of heightened alert over the possibility that Russia might also invade Transdniestria.