Prime Minister Pavel Filip reacted to the President’s refusal to authorize the participation by Moldovan service members in the Rapid Trident exercise in Ukraine, IPN reports. “I cannot understand the motives and arguments for such a refusal. That’s why today we will take a decision on the participation by service members of the National Army in the training in Ukraine,” stated the Premier.

Pavel Filip noted that 80% of the costs associated with the training represent funds from foreign donors. The costs for the five training exercises in Ukraine were assessed at 5 million lei and this money could be lost.

President of Moldova Igor Dodon requested the Ministry of Defense to stop the preparations for participation in the Rapid Trident exercise that will take place at the Ukrainian combat training center Yavoriv during September 7-24 and to inform the organizers that Moldova’s 57 service members of the National Army will not take part in the drill.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Defense said the goal of the participation in the Rapid Trident exercise is to develop the interoperability level, to strengthen the defense capacities and to promote the National Army’s image on the international arena. The Moldovan service members have taken part in such exercises in Ukraine since 1996.