Military exercises intensify amid military build-up in unrecognized Transnistria - Ukrainian intelligence

The Main Intelligence Directorate at Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported this move on Telegram.

"The unrecognized 'Transnistrian Moldavian Republic' is strengthening its army. A letter from the 'Transnistrian Defense Ministry’ to local officials reveals information about conscripting citizens into “special groupings”. Their purpose is to ensure 100% staffing of the "Transnistrian Moldavian Republic’s peacekeeping contingent”, and to provide employment for the republic's able-bodied population", the intelligence service noted.

The groupings will be for 90 days. Men up to 55 years old can participate. They are guaranteed “monetary and property allowance, accommodation and food”. Those who do not work are promised around 2,800 "Transnistrian rubles". Although formally this is supposed to be a voluntary initiative, there are reports that people are being forced to participate.

"The letter is dated April 21. So, before the start of the latest Russian provocations on the territory of Transniatria. It is reminiscent of the events in the so-called LPR/DPR on the eve of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine", the Main Intelligence Directorate at Ukraine's Defense Ministry noted.