Parliament speaker says drone crash near Lopatna represents consequences of war launched by Russia, Moldova must invest in defense

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has said that the incident involving the drone that crashed near the village of Lopatna, central Orhei district, was a direct consequence of the war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. He  emphasized the need to strengthen the defense capabilities of Moldova.

Asked about preliminary information regarding the origin of the drone, the speaker   urged caution and pointed out that the competent authorities were the ones who must determine all circumstances of the incident.

“Let the authorities investigating the case present their conclusions. But regardless of the outcome of the investigation, we are talking about the consequences of the war that the Russian Federation started with its invasion of Ukraine,” Igor Grosu said.

According to Igor Grosu, Moldova is not the only country hit by the effects of the military conflict in the region, recalling similar incidents recorded in member states of the European Union and NATO in recent years.

“We are not an exception. We have seen such situations in the Baltic states, in Poland, in Romania. These incidents must be a wake-up call for all of us and there must be a consensus that we need to continue investing in our defense system,” the parliament speaker noted.

Grosu warned that the threats triggered by the war in Ukraine represented a reality with which Moldova would have to live on the period ahead.

“This is a reality that is no longer just knocking at the door. It is already entering the region—sometimes from the east, sometimes from the north, sometimes towards the south. We will have to get used to this reality and continue investments in the country’s security and defense,” the official said.

In the same statement, Igor Grosu also criticized recent positions expressed by representatives of the Russian Federation regarding Gagauzia and the Transnistrian region. He said that Moscow was trying to maintain its influence over certain territories and internal processes in Moldova, but assured that the Moldovan authorities would not allow external interference.

“We will not allow anyone to interfere with the internal affairs of Moldova. This is Moldova, and legislation of Moldova will be enforced here,” the parliament speaker also said.

At the same time, Grosu said that political blockages in Gagauzia were being fueled from outside and urged local leaders to give up the expectation of political or financial support from the Russian Federation.

“The sooner they free themselves from the illusion that someone from outside will come to solve their problems or to finance the institutions of the autonomy, the better it will be. Solutions must be found here, in Moldova, within the existing legal framework,” Igor Grosu concluded.

A drone on June 8 morning exploded near the village of Lopatna, Orhei district. According to the authorities, no casualties were reported as a result of the incident.