MOSCOW. Dec 8 (Interfax) - Around 300 Russian servicemen conducted a live-fire exercise in Transdniestria against the backdrop Moldova's calls to withdraw the Russian contingent from the region.
"Some 300 servicemen of a motorized rifle battalion participated in the live-fire exercise," the press service of Russia's Western Military District said in a statement.
A shooting range of the Russian forces deployed in the Transdniestrian region of Moldova hosted the exercise, during which AK-74 assault rifles were used.
"During this training exercise, servicemen practiced engaging moving and pop-up targets changing their fire position, as well as practiced throwing dummy hand grenades. This live-fire exercise took place in accordance with the combat training plan of the Western Military District's forces," the press service said.
Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu has called for the withdrawal of the Russian group of forces from Moldova and for transforming the peacekeeping operation in Transdniestria into a civilian mission with an international mandate.