Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Russia to immediately stop its attacks against Ukraine and has summoned Russia’s ambassador-designate to Chisinau, Oleg Ozerov, following several drone incidents in Moldovan airspace.
Ozerov is expected to appear at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, October 1.
Moldovan authorities said at least three drones illegally entered the country’s airspace on September 30 amid Russia’s large-scale attacks against Ukraine. Two of the drones crashed and exploded on Moldovan territory.
The Foreign Ministry said such incidents pose a direct threat to the security of Moldovan citizens.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the serious violation of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova by three drones on Wednesday, September 30, amid the Russian Federation’s large-scale attacks against Ukraine. Two of the drones fell and exploded on the territory of the country. The ambassador-designate of the Russian Federation to Chisinau has been summoned today, October 1, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the ministry’s press service said.
“These violations directly threaten the security of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Russian Federation to immediately stop its attacks against Ukraine and any actions that endanger the Republic of Moldova,” the statement added.
The most serious incident occurred on Wednesday evening near the village of Brănești in Orhei district, where a “Geran” drone equipped with a turbojet engine struck trees and exploded near a public road.
Fragments of the aircraft were found within a radius of approximately 120 meters. Road traffic in the area was temporarily suspended, while the airspace over central Moldova was also closed.
Ozerov is expected to arrive at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday afternoon.
At least two drone-related explosions were reported in Moldova on Wednesday. The aircraft were reportedly jet-powered. According to Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, one of the drones was travelling at a speed of approximately 400 kilometers per hour.
Authorities continue to investigate the incidents and monitor Moldova’s airspace.