Intensive military exercises are being held in Moldova. After completing six days of joint maneuvers between American and Moldovan military personnel on October 30, the Moldovan Ministry of Defense announced the start of new exercises on December 17, this time with the participation of the country's 22nd peacekeeping battalion. These maneuvers, also lasting six days, take place at the National Army Training Center in the village of Bulboaca.

The Ministry of Defense warned about the increased movement of military equipment on the country's roads, urging citizens not to panic. Chisinau began these exercises near the border with Transnistria, which causes concern in Tiraspol. Previously, the Transnistrian authorities have repeatedly expressed to the international community their concerns regarding Moldova’s aggressive plans against the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR).

In addition, there is criticism of the Moldovan authorities for spending funds on military maneuvers instead of solving internal socio-economic problems, such as providing the population with gas. According to some experts, Chisinau, supported by the West, is preparing for a possible invasion of the PMR due to developments in Ukraine and a potential change in the geopolitical situation in the region, including the status of Odessa and surrounding territories after the end of hostilities led by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.