The Moldovan authorities have reported six unauthorised overflights by military drones on 15–16 October, which they link to Russian attacks on Ukraine. On 16 October, one UAV crashed and exploded in a field in the Dondușani district in the north of the country.
Briefly about the main points
- Moldova reported six unauthorised drone overflights on 15–16 October.
- A drone exploded in a field between Kodreni-Noy and Skeen.
- As yet, there are no reports of fatalities or injuries in the Dondyushansky District.
- The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the incidents as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
Six spans in two days
The Moldovan Ministry of Defence reported that on 15–16 October it recorded six unauthorised flights by military unmanned aerial vehicles. According to official figures, the routes passed through the districts of Tudora, Otachiv–Hederăuț, Keplani–Oleștești and Purcari–Dniester.
According to the Moldovan Ministry of Defence, some of the aircraft entered the country’s airspace from the direction of Ukraine and subsequently left it. The Ministry of Defence links these incidents to Russia’s large-scale attacks against Ukraine.
Experts are examining the drone wreckage
In the afternoon of 16 October, the military recorded a suspected unauthorised flight near the village of Sobar in the Sorotsky District at 16:22. The drone was subsequently found after it crashed and exploded in a field between the villages of Kodrenyi-Noy and Skeyen in the Dondyushany district.
Police and bomb disposal experts were at the scene. The debris was sent for analysis to determine the type of device and the circumstances of the crash. According to preliminary information from the Moldovan authorities, no deaths or injuries were reported as a result of this explosion.
The police have urged residents not to approach drone debris or other suspicious objects and to report them by dialling 112.
Reuters reports and Chisinau’s reaction
Reuters, citing the Moldovan authorities, reported that five Russian drones had been shot down in the country in just over 17 hours. The agency also reported minor damage and one person with minor injuries.
Reports available from the Moldovan Ministry of Defence and the police describe six sorties and confirm one explosion in the Dondușani district, where there were reportedly no casualties.
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the violation of its airspace as a serious breach of the state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warned of the danger to the population. The ministry called on Russia to cease its attacks on Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Defence, since 2022 Moldova has recorded 100 airspace violations; this figure covers various incidents, not just drone crashes.
