Separatists say Russian troops staging exercises in Moldova
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The news agency of the Trans-Dniester separatist region in Moldova says Russian troops have begun another round of military exercises in the territory.
Novosti Pridnestrovya quoted a Russian defense ministry statement Wednesday saying 300 Russian troops began a week of exercises in Trans-Dniester, a separatist region in eastern Moldova.
The drills started Tuesday.
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Russian troops have staged military exercises with separatist troops several times in recent months. Moldovan authorities have criticized the exercises, calling them illegal.
Pro-Russian Trans-Dniester, which is not internationally recognized, broke away from Moldova in 1990 over fears the former Soviet republic would reunite with neighboring Romania.
About 1,000 Russian troops are stationed in Trans-Dniester on an ongoing basis to carry out peacekeeping duties and guard weapon depots.