Moldova and the US began joint military exercises on May 3rd. As Radio Svoboda reported, the exercises, codenamed Dragon Pioneer 2016, will last more than two weeks, and will involve more than 200 US soldiers.

The American servicemen arrived on the territory of Moldova from Romania on May 2nd.

The pro-Russian opposition Socialist Party of Moldova called on their supporters to block the route of the US military, though only ten individuals participated in the blockade, and the column was easily able to get to the exercises near the village Negresti.

Russia still retains its military presence in the breakaway Transnistria region of Moldova. Approximately 1,500 Russian soldiers are currently stationed in the self-declared republic. 

Moldova joined NATO's "Partnership for Peace" program in 1994.