'Serious violation' — Moldova recalls ambassador from Moscow following drone crash
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Moldova recalled its ambassador to Russia, Lilian Darii, for "consultations" after a drone crashed and exploded on Moldovan territory, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Aug. 10.
The drone crashed on Aug. 9 in the border village of Crocmaz, roughly 70 kilometers (40 miles) from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, which Russia targeted in a large-scale attack that day.
Moldovan media outlet NewsMaker reported that police found debris of the "missile-type drone" that caused a fire and damaged buildings in the Stefan Voda district.
"This accident represents a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and has endangered the safety of our citizens," the Foreign Ministry said.
Although Russian drones have previously violated Moldova's airspace since the beginning of the full-scale war, this marks the first time such aircraft have been identified on its territory.
"This is a direct consequence of Russia's war, and it endangers us all," Moldovan President Maia Sandu wrote on X. "The risk to human life in our region is real and growing. It must stop."
Similar instances have occurred in Ukraine's neighboring countries, Romania and Poland, where fragments of Shahed-type drones have been found.
