Foreign Ministry condemns Russian drone overflight: serious and unacceptable violation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) firmly condemns the violation of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova by a Russian drone of the Geran-2 (Shahed-136) type, which flew over the country’s territory and exploded near the locality of Copanca, Căușeni district, in the context of air attacks launched by the Russian Federation on Ukraine’s Odesa region.

In a press release, the MFA describes the incident as “a serious and unacceptable violation” of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova and emphasizes that it confirms the risks generated by the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine for the security of the country and of the entire region.


“This new incident constitutes a serious and unacceptable violation of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova and confirms once again that the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine generates direct risks to the security of our citizens and of the entire region,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states in the press release.


The institution reiterated that the Republic of Moldova will defend its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and will continue cooperation with international partners to strengthen the security and resilience of the state.


“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its commitment to defend the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and will continue to work closely with international partners to strengthen the country’s security and resilience in the face of such threats,” the MFA notes.


On the night of July 13, the Air Operations Service of the National Army detected, at 01:03, a Geran-2 (Shahed-136) drone that is believed to have entered the airspace of the Republic of Moldova following air attacks by the Russian Federation on the Odesa region. The aircraft exploded near the village of Copanca, Căușeni district, and the case is being investigated by the competent authorities.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the airspace of the Republic of Moldova has been flown over without authorization more than 40 times. The authorities in Chișinău have submitted protest notes to the designated ambassador of the Russian Federation, stressing that although the drones do not directly target the Republic of Moldova, their trajectories – associated with attacks on Ukraine – represent an increased risk to national security.