**Moldovan Troops Join NATO Exercises Amid Russian Threats**
Moldova’s military will participate in the US-led Agile Spirit 25 exercises in Georgia from July 23 to August 7. This move comes as Moldovan officials have repeatedly warned about Russia’s efforts to destabilize their country.
The exercises, held under NATO auspices, aim to improve combat readiness and cooperation among allied nations. This year, troops from Bulgaria, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, the US, and Moldova will take part in the drills.
Moldovan officials have been sounding the alarm about Russian intentions in their country. Prime Minister Dorin Recean recently stated that Moscow plans to deploy 10,000 troops to the Russian-occupied Transnistria region and install a pro-Kremlin government in Chisinau. President Maia Sandu has also warned that Russia might create a crisis in Transnistria ahead of Moldova’s September parliamentary elections.
**Moldova Stands Firm Against Russian Aggression**
The Moldovan military’s participation in the NATO-backed exercises is part of its annual defense cooperation plan, reflecting growing coordination with Western partners. Moldovan forces have trained under the Agile Spirit program since 2023.
Russia has maintained a military presence in Transnistria since the early 1990s, with an estimated 1,500 troops stationed there, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s February statement. Moldova has called for the full withdrawal of Russian forces and the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria, considering it crucial for national security and regional stability.
**A Show of Strength Against Russian Aggression**
By participating in the Agile Spirit 25 exercises, Moldova demonstrates its commitment to defending its sovereignty against Russian aggression. This move also shows that Moldova is serious about its pro-European trajectory, as stated by President Maia Sandu.
The exercise’s timing is significant, given the looming September parliamentary elections in Moldova and Russia’s known history of meddling in neighboring countries’ politics. By taking part in these drills, Moldova sends a strong message to Russia: they will not be intimidated or deterred from their path towards European integration.
**What’s Next?**
As the Agile Spirit 25 exercises unfold in Georgia, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to Moldova’s show of strength. Will Moscow attempt to escalate tensions in Transnistria, or will they try to undermine Moldova’s pro-European stance?
Only time will tell. For now, Moldova stands firm against Russian aggression, committed to its defense cooperation with Western partners and its democratic values.
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