Deputy PM says Moldova rejected, to always reject any attack on its security, territorial integrity

Moldova has rejected and will continue to reject any attack on its security and territorial integrity. We will alert the Russian Federation that such behavior is unacceptable in the current security context. Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi today made statements to this effect, in reference to cases of illegal crossing of national airspace by six drones during an attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine.

As for the summoning of the designated ambassador of the Russian Federation, the Deputy Prime Minister said that ‘’the measures taken by the Moldovan authorities are in accordance with international law and are related to the reactions of the neighboring states that have faced similar situations.’’

‘’As mentioned in previous notes of protest, during these incidents, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country are threatened, as we’ll as the security of citizens. Therefore, such incidents are unacceptable. The attempt to deny or diminish the seriousness of the problem—or worse, as some politicians in Chișinău have done, to ridicule the situation emerged—is extremely dangerous and also clearly shows who has a conscientious approach to the security of citizens and who continues to dance to the Kremlin's tune,’’ said Mihai Popsoi.

Regarding the possible expulsion of some diplomats of the Russian Federation, the foreign affairs minister noted that ‘’theoretically, this is possible,’’ but in the wake of such decisions, response reactions could follow.

‘’We no longer have excess diplomats in Moscow. If a few more were to return home, consular services could no longer be provided for our citizens,’’ added Mihai Popsoi.

He said that the Moldovan authorities would reiterate to the representatives of the Russian Federation strong protests ‘’against the violation of national airspace and endangering of the country's citizens.’’

‘’We encourage all citizens of Moldova, including politicians, to take these threats as seriously as possible. Regrettably, Moldova is in the immediate vicinity of this barbaric invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and we have been enduring the adverse consequences of this unjustified aggression for almost four years. Moldova has always said that Ukraine needs a lasting, sustainable and just peace. These are the fundamental principles of the peace process, but ultimately the sovereign decision belongs to the Ukrainian people,’’ concluded Mihai Popsoi.

Airspace surveillance systems at the National Army's disposal detected, on the morning of November 25, six drones illegally crossing the territory of Moldova, in the context of massive attacks on Ukraine. Consequently, a drone marked with 'Z' crashed in an orchard in the village of Cuhurestii de Jos, northern Floresti district, on the rooftop of a guard's house. The police intervened to secure the area.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the violation of the national airspace and informed that the agreed ambassador of the Russian Federation would be summoned today at 14:00, to provide explanations on these actions regarded as inadmissible.