Five Russian drones illegally entered Moldovan airspace early this morning, as the country prepared to celebrate its 35th Independence Day from the Soviet Union. The first drone crossed the border from neighbouring Ukraine around 3:55am, with others following, according to reports.
Drones believed to target Ukraine
The drones are believed to have crossed the border while attempting to strike targets inside Ukraine, where Russia continues to bombard civilians. The Moldovan Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident, stating: 'The unauthorised overflights of our country’s airspace occurred following the Russian Federation’s air attacks on Ukraine. National authorities, together with partners, continue to monitor airspace for the safety of the population.'
One local resident remarked: 'This is probably how the Russians ‘congratulated’ us on our Independence Day.' One drone disappeared after crossing the border and going off radar near the village of Pervomaisc, close to the frontier.
Wider context of Russian drone activity
Russia has been widely accused of waging a war against Europe, using hundreds of drones to spy on critical infrastructure. A report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies found that Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet ships sent drones into Britain and Europe, targeting airports, bases and nuclear sites. Affected sites included RAF Fairford, Feltwell, Lakenheath and Mildenhall, along with dozens of locations across continental Europe.
'The Kremlin was likely able to map reaction times, coverage gaps and limitations across European integrated air defences,' the IISS added. It remains unclear if the latest incursion into Moldovan airspace is related.
Recent NATO response to drone incursions
Earlier this month, NATO jets were scrambled to shoot down a drone that crossed into Latvian airspace from Russia. The kamikaze drone had been redirected into Latvian airspace by Russian 'electromagnetic warfare', according to Riga’s Defence Ministry. The drone was likely Ukrainian and involved in a mass four-hour strike on the Leningrad region around St Petersburg, but was disrupted and redirected by Russian air defences.
Airspace threats had been declared in five border municipalities in the Baltic state, with airspace curbs also imposed in Finland. Fighters 'successfully shot down a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Latvia as a result of Russian electromagnetic warfare.'
