Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Valery Ostalep, described the move as "provocative."
"Surely, Americans are fully aware of Moldova's domestic situation. This move is yet another component of Washington's political fight in the region. The West is constantly waging it. Evidently, this has mostly to do with Russia, not Moldova."
Political analyst Yury Roshka views the initiative as "a planned act that is part of America's consistent efforts to undermine friendly relations between Russia and other nations in the region."
US policymakers, in his opinion, are pushing "Moldova towards catastrophic growth of domestic tensions. Instability, chaos, clashes, hatred between different social groups in the country and diplomatic standoff – these are the goals that Moldova's 'partners in cooperation' pursue."
US troops did not receive a particularly warm welcome in Moldova, with dozens of locals blocking the road and chanting "NATO, go home!" as their vehicles moved towards the town of Negreshti, their point of destination.
Dodon pledged to stage further protests should US military hardware be deployed to Chisinau on May 9, the day commemorating the victory over the Nazi Germany.
The Dragon Pioneer 2016 drills were launched on Tuesday and are expected to end on May 20.
