President after drone attack at Moldova’s border: Brutal war reaching our border

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu condemned Russian drone attacks on Ukraine after two people were killed during the night of September 8–9 in an attack on Starokazachye border crossing, located near the Moldovan border. The head of state also denounced the violation of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova by a drone that later crashed in Rîșcani district.


“Last night, Russia once again brought terror to Ukraine. Cities and communities were attacked, with the brutal war reaching our border,” Maia Sandu said.


Maia Sandu also referred to Tuesday’s incident involving a drone that entered the airspace of the Republic of Moldova without authorization, subsequently crossed Romanian territory, then returned to Moldovan airspace and crashed in Rîșcani district.


“Even though it caused no casualties, such a violation poses an enormous risk to the lives of our people, villages and cities, and to the aircraft that fly through our skies,” the president said.


The drone fell in a sunflower field outside the built-up area of Mihăilenii Vechi village. The crash caused four separate fires. No injuries were reported.

According to information previously presented by the authorities, the aircraft was detected after entering the airspace of the Republic of Moldova from the direction of Ukraine. It subsequently left the country’s territory toward Romania and then returned from the direction of Iași.

Following investigations at the crash site, experts from the Police’s technical and explosives department discovered fragments of a drone equipped with a turbojet propulsion system, with characteristics similar to those of a Geran-type aircraft. Elements intended to cause damage, in the form of metal balls, were also found in the crater created by the explosion. Specialists are continuing their investigation to determine the type and weight of the explosive payload.

In this context, Maia Sandu criticized voices that, in her opinion, are attempting to minimize the threat posed by the war in Ukraine and Russian attacks.


“It is hard to believe that, in the face of this reality, there are still voices trying to convince Moldovans that Russia is not the aggressor or that the war next door does not concern us,” the president said.


The head of state argued that the Republic of Moldova must strengthen its defense capabilities.


“We choose to do everything within our power to protect our people. To strengthen our ability to protect our skies and our borders,” Maia Sandu said.


The attack on Starokazachye border crossing took place during the night of September 8–9. Two civilians were killed and another two were injured in the drone strike.