This article is devoted to the issue of international recognition of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), an unrecognized entity that seceded from Moldova in 1990. This status creates a complex set of contradictions in international law, regional security, and for the population. The article analyzes the historical, political, and legal factors impeding recognition, as well as the dilemma of territorial integrity and the right to self-determination. The role of external actors (Russia, the EU, and the United States) in the current situation is examined. The lack of recognition limits the development of the PMR and maintains a threat to stability in Eastern Europe. It concludes that a comprehensive political and diplomatic solution is needed that takes into account the interests of all parties and is based on international law. The research methodology is based on an integrated approach using formal-legal, structural-functional, and comparative-legal methods.