Maia Sandu says the danger of drones entering Moldova’s airspace will persist as long as the war in Ukraine continues. She notes that although the authorities are searching for solutions to strengthen defense systems, “no magical solutions exist.”
The President calls both the drone incidents and the disinformation surrounding them regrettable. She also reveals that the Chisinau authorities are negotiating with external partners to purchase the equipment needed for military intervention when Moldova’s airspace is violated.
“It is regrettable that some politicians spread disinformation and manipulate people, but this danger exists, continues, and will remain as long as the war in Ukraine — Russia’s war against Ukraine — continues. You see that we are not the only ones facing this problem, and no magical solutions exist. They may exist on Facebook, but reality offers no magical solutions. We are strengthening our detection and defense capabilities.
We have started investing in equipment such as radars and other necessary tools to detect these intrusions. At this stage, we are already discussing with partners about equipment that will help us protect our airspace, because detection is not enough. We must also protect our citizens. Ensuring the safety of our citizens remains the biggest concern for me and for my colleagues in the Government and Parliament. What we can do is remain aware.
Of course, we condemn this, but we see Russia’s attitude — not only regarding the violation of Moldova’s airspace, but also the airspace of many European states. We are strengthening our defense. This is what we can do. And I ask you not to spread lies and not to mislead people, because it becomes harder to protect citizens when lies are widely accepted,” Maia Sandu said.
In recent days, several drones have entered Moldova’s airspace. On November 24, six Russian Geran drones flew over Moldova, and one of them landed on the roof of a house in the village of Cuhurestii de Jos, Floresti district.
A few days later, on November 28, two drones passed through northern Moldova, prompting authorities to close the country’s airspace for several hours.