Five Russian drones crashed in Moldova within 17 hours on Thursday and Friday, injuring one person and prompting condemnation from the Moldovan government, which has accused Russia of escalating tensions amid the war in Ukraine. The incidents, occurring in northern and eastern regions of the country, have led to the summoning of the Russian ambassador and heightened concerns about regional stability.
Russian Drones Enter Moldovan Airspace, Crash in North and East
Between Thursday and Friday, five Russian drones entered Moldovan airspace and crashed in various locations. The drones crashed in the north and east of the country, with one person sustaining injuries and localized material damage reported. The incidents unfolded over a period of 17 hours, with the first drone entering Moldovan airspace at 23:02–23:20 on Thursday, traveling from the direction of Tymkove, Odesa region, Ukraine, toward Ivanovca, and exiting near Bronița toward Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Ukraine.
BREAKING: Moldova reports five unauthorized drone incursions into its airspace overnight and this morning, amid continued Russian attacks against Ukraine.According to Moldova’s National Army, the reported incidents occurred at the following times and locations:▪️ 23:02–23:20:… pic.twitter.com/1Hf5D6oHk2
Moldova’s Response and Diplomatic Tensions
The Moldovan government has strongly condemned the drone incursions, viewing them as a direct threat to citizen safety and a consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly summoned Oleg Ozerov for explanations. Maia Sandu has consistently criticized Russian foreign policy, considering it detrimental to Moldova’s interests, and has refused to accept Ozerov’s credentials despite his appointment two years ago.
Russia’s Reaction and Accusations
Russia has responded by accusing the Moldovan government of a hostile policy, as stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Peskov suggested that improved relations were contingent upon the Sandu government abandoning what he termed a policy based on Russophobia. Peskov made this statement on Thursday, arguing that normalizing relations is only possible if this policy is abandoned.
Moldova’s European Union Aspirations
These incidents occur as Moldova pursues closer ties with the European Union, aiming for membership by 2030. The pro-European government has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and repeatedly protested violations of its airspace. A similar drone crash occurred just last week, approximately 35 kilometers from the capital, Chișinău. The country has expressed repeated anxieties about violations of its national airspace.
Prior Incident and Continued Concerns
The recent drone incidents follow a pattern of airspace violations since the start of the war in Ukraine. The incidents raise concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact of the conflict on regional stability. The rapid succession of crashes—five drones within 17 hours—represents a marked increase in activity. The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that the incidents threaten the safety of citizens and undermine regional stability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the designated Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Chișinău and handed him a note of protest following the unauthorized incursion into the airspace of the Republic of Moldova by five drones and missiles, which exploded near several… pic.twitter.com/KqdyYNfaCX
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