A Shahed drone flew over the airspace of the Republic of Moldova last night. Authorities reported the incident near the Palanca Border Crossing.
According to the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova, observers visually detected the drone at around 01:46 as it crossed Moldovan territory and headed toward Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi. Between 02:14 and 02:25, it briefly reappeared over the same area before withdrawing.
The National Army of the Republic of Moldova did not confirm the aircraft, as its Air Operations Service did not detect it on radar. Authorities believe they observed the same drone in all instances and that it was later destroyed over the estuary, outside Moldovan territory.
Authorities continuously monitored the situation and reported no incidents on the ground and no threat to citizens’ safety.
A similar airspace violation occurred on Tuesday. Later that day, authorities found a drone in Tudora, about 500 meters from the border. It contained explosives, and bomb disposal experts neutralized it on site.
In this context, Maia Sandu stated that the situation represents a serious violation of national airspace and a threat to citizens.
Maia Sandu said, “A Russian drone found in the Moldovan village of Tudora was assessed as carrying explosives. Russia repeatedly violates our sovereignty and endangers the lives of our people.”