Oleg Ozerov received a note of protest at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova after a drone crossed Moldovan airspace on May 13. The official sent by Moscow to Chisinau refused to comment to journalists gathered outside the ministry.
Moldovan diplomats condemned what they described as a “serious and unacceptable violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova,” stressing that such incidents threaten citizens’ security and regional stability.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested official explanations and reiterated the need for strict respect of the Republic of Moldova’s airspace, in accordance with international law,” the institution’s press service stated.
When he left the ministry, Oleg Ozerov did not explain why officials had summoned him and refused to comment on the protest note. “Why should I be obliged to give you comments?” the ambassador-designate said, suggesting instead that journalists listen to statements made by Maria Zakharova.
On May 13, a drone crossed Moldovan airspace from north to south for about one hour. The drone entered Moldova from the direction of Mohyliv-Podilskyi in Ukraine toward the village of Sauca in Ocnita district. Authorities later observed it over Balti, Calarasi, and Hincesti, where it disappeared from radar before reappearing briefly near Cahul.