DISINFO: A NATO contingent is permanently stationed in Moldova
SUMMARY
As for Moldova, NATO exercises are taking place there non-stop, under the guise of which a NATO contingent is permanently stationed there. The airfield in Marculesti is being reconstructed to NATO standards, NATO logistics are being formed, large volumes of armored vehicles, small arms, and air defense systems are being imported. Moldova is turning into anti-Russia No. 2 next to Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the alleged loss of Moldova's neutrality, implying that Moldova is going secretly join NATO. The narrative was spread particularly prior the pro-EU referendum campaign, speculating that joining the EU means joining NATO, even if Moldova is a constitutionally neutral country.
There is no contingent of NATO troops in Moldova. The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova prohibits the permanent presence of foreign troops on its territory. The only foreign troops that are illegally on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, in the Transnistrian region, which is officially part of Moldova, are those of the Russian Federation. Moldova has cooperated with NATO since 1992, which consists of consultancy, joint participation in military exercises and external peacekeeping missions. The military exercises taking place are multinational, including the participation of NATO instructors, but without a NATO contingent stationed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
See other similar cases on Moldova-NATO relationship: The real power in Moldova belongs to NATO and elections there are under pressure, US and NATO arming Moldova in hope of new Transnistria conflict.