In 2014, right after the annexation of the Krim in the Ukraine, photographer Rachel Corner and journalist Jorie Horsthuis traveled to Transnistria, right across the border with Ukraine. They wanted to grasp the atmosphere in this unrecognized state that is often described as the 'last outpost of the USSR'.
Youngsters are practicing for the parade of the Independence Day of Transnistria, close to the border with Moldova.
Rachel Corner
A Lenin statue is still prominent on the square in front of the ‘Dom Sovetov’ (House of the Soviets), where the parliament meets.
Rachel Corner
Right upon arrival, citizens are confronted with the legacy of the USSR.
Rachel Corner
Right in the city center of Tiraspol, citizens try to sell some goods on the local market.
Rachel Corner
Hotel Russia is a number 1 hotel in Tiraspol - according to Tripadvisor. It is acclaimed because of its 'modern interior', and should 'feel like a second home' to visitors. However, not many tourists visit Transnistria, so most rooms stay empty.
Rachel Corner
Citizens of Tiraspol try to brighten up their neighbourhoods by painting old car tyres and use them as planters.
Rachel Corner
Sheriff is the biggest company in Transnistria. It owns petrol stations, a chain of supermarkets, a TV channel, a publishing house, a construction company, a Mercedes-Benz dealership, an advertising agency, a spirits factory, two bread factories, a mobile phone network, the football club FC Sheriff Tiraspol and its newly built Sheriff Stadium.
Rachel Corner
Tiraspol by night.
Rachel Corner
