Head of State condemns new airspace violation: Russia’s war affects us directly

President Maia Sandu condemned the incident in Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, where yesterday a drone-missile type aircraft fell and exploded. According to the Police, there were no casualties, but fragments were scattered over a wide area, causing damage to several households in the locality. Investigations to determine the type and origin of the aircraft are ongoing.

“Our airspace has been violated multiple times in recent years. Russia’s war against Ukraine affects us directly. Russia is the one waging this war of aggression and bears responsibility for the danger brought to the homes of our people,” the head of state declared.

The president thanked the local residents for remaining calm and the authorities for their prompt intervention.

“In the context of this brutal war at our border, people’s safety is the state’s primary duty. That is why we are investing in airspace surveillance and defense capabilities and working together with our partners to obtain the most effective means of protection,” Maia Sandu underlined.

The head of state reiterated the Republic of Moldova’s support for Ukraine:

“The resilience of Ukrainians also protects us. The defense of our country and support for Ukraine are part of the same effort to restore peace in our region.”

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has led, starting in 2022, to a steady increase in incidents of unauthorized overflight of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova and in cases of drone and missile fragments falling on the national territory. Between 24 February 2022 and 9 August 2026, 52 incidents were recorded, of which 4 in 2022, 6 in 2023, 10 in 2024, 17 in 2025, and a considerable increase in 2026, with 15 cases of unauthorized airspace overflight recorded by 9 August.