Moldovan Foreign Affairs Ministry condemns unauthorized overflight of airspace by unmanned aircraft

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) condemns the unauthorized overflight of  Moldova’s airspace by an unmanned aircraft that crossed the state border from the direction of Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Vinnytsia region, towards the village of Sauca, northern Ocnita district. The institution reiterated “the need for strict observance of  the sovereignty and airspace of Moldova.”

The authorities emphasize that such actions endanger the security of citizens and affect the safety of the airspace.

“The incident represents an unacceptable violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and constitutes a risk to the security of our citizens. We reiterate the need for strict compliance with the sovereignty and airspace of Moldova, in accordance with international law,” the institution stated.

A drone today was detected on the territory of Moldova after crossing the state border from the direction of Mohyliv-Podilskyi (Vinnytsia, Ukraine) towards the village of Sauca, Ocnita district. The aircraft was seen by citizens above the city of Balti, moving in the direction of Ungheni district. Subsequently, the drone was detected in Hancesti district, heading towards the southern area of the country. It disappeared from the radar near the locality of Mingir, central Hancesti district.

In the context of the unauthorized overflight, the airspace in the northern and central areas was temporarily closed. The unauthorized overflight took place as a result of the massive attack by the Russian Federation on western Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the airspace of Moldova has been violated more than 40 times by unauthorized overflights. The Moldovan authorities have submitted protest notes to the designated ambassador of the Russian Federation, stressing that, although the drones do not directly target Moldova, their trajectories – associated with attacks on Ukraine – pose an increased risk to national security.