Moldova Conducts Military Exercises near Transnistria

Moldova has organised military exercises near the border of Russian-occupied Transnistria and only 22 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, the country's Ministry of Defence reports on Facebook.

According to the ministry, from 17 to 22 December, soldiers of the 22nd peacekeeping battalion will be trained at the Bulboaca training centre.

"In this regard, the movement of military equipment on national roads will be organised during this period," the Ministry of Defence said.

The training of the military will be carried out in accordance with the National Army Training Plan for 2023, the ministry said.

On Friday, the Moldovan parliament voted in favour of a draft resolution approving the National Security Strategy of Moldova, the first since 2011.

The document, initiated by President Maia Sandu, aims to "increase the state's ability to prevent and counteract the implementation of national security risks, as well as to ensure the process of European integration and cooperation with partner states."

Among the security goals mentioned therein are the defence of Moldova's independence and sovereignty and the guarantee of security for all citizens; the creation of a strong and respected state; and accession to the European Union, where peace is guaranteed.

Moldova's National Security Strategy will be in effect for six years and will serve as a basis for other initiatives in this area.

In 2023, Moldova's defence spending increased by almost 70%, with funds allocated for the purchase of an air defence system. The need to equip Moldova with an air defence system was raised against the backdrop of two cases of missiles falling on Moldovan territory during Russia's massive missile attack on Ukrainian infrastructure.

This week, the European Union donated medical and protective equipment, mine detectors, all-terrain vehicles, drones and generators to the Moldovan National Army. Defence Minister Anatolii Nosatîi noted that this is the second batch of aid for Moldova from the EU, provided through the European Peace Fund.

The aid is part of a project to develop the medical and engineering capabilities of the Moldovan army, which was approved in 2021. Since then, Moldova has received €87 million in aid through the European Peace Fund.

As The Gaze previously reported, on 14 December, the European Council decided to start EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.