Moldova Summons Russian Ambassador After Mystery Drones Violate Airspace

Moldova's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's Ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, on [date], following the crash of unidentified drones on Moldovan territory, the ministry's press service reported. The diplomatic protest marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Chisinau and Moscow, which have worsened since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Moldovan government did not immediately specify the number of drones, their origin, or the locations where they fell. However, the incident follows a pattern of repeated airspace violations in recent months, with debris from Russian drones and missiles previously found on Moldovan soil during Russian strikes on neighboring Ukraine. Moldova has consistently condemned such violations as threats to its sovereignty and has summoned Russian diplomats in the past over similar incidents. Russia has not yet commented on the latest summoning.

The diplomatic move underscores Moldova's growing security concerns as the war in Ukraine continues to spill over its borders. International observers, including the European Union and NATO, have expressed support for Moldova's territorial integrity. The incident is likely to further strain Moldova-Russia relations and could prompt renewed calls for increased Western air defense assistance to Chisinau. Further details are expected as Moldovan authorities continue their investigation.