Moldova Summons Russian Ambassador Following Airspace Breach by Six Drones

Diplomatic Row Erupts After Drone Incident

Chișinău, Moldova – Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, to deliver a formal note of protest following a significant violation of its airspace. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, involved six Russian drones reportedly entering Moldovan airspace, with one ultimately crashing onto the roof of a residential home.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry described the actions as 'completely unacceptable,' a 'serious violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova,' and a 'direct threat to national and regional security.' This diplomatic move underscores escalating tensions between the two nations amidst ongoing regional instability.

Details of the Airspace Violation and Crash

According to Moldovan authorities, a total of six Russian drones were detected violating the country's airspace during a massive overnight attack launched by Russia against neighboring Ukraine. One of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crashed onto the roof of a home in the village of Cuhureștii de Jos, located in the Florești district in northern Moldova, near the Ukrainian border. The drone was identified as a Russian-made Gerbera model and was reportedly marked with the pro-Kremlin 'Z' symbol. While the crash did not cause significant damage, it prompted the evacuation of nearby residents and the deployment of an explosives team.

Moldova's Firm Stance and Russia's Denial

Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi condemned the incident, stating that such actions 'gravely breach our sovereignty and endanger national and regional security.' In a symbolic gesture, the remnants of the downed drone, bearing the 'Z' symbol, were displayed outside the Moldovan Foreign Ministry building for Ambassador Ozerov to observe as he exited his meeting.

In response, Ambassador Ozerov expressed skepticism regarding the drone's origin, stating that 'no evidence was provided to confirm that it was a Russian-made drone.' He suggested the incident needed thorough investigation and questioned why the Ukrainian ambassador was not summoned, claiming the drone originated from Ukrainian territory. Ozerov further implied the incident could be a 'false flag operation' aimed at damaging already strained relations between Russia and Moldova.

Broader Regional Context

This is not an isolated event, as Moldova has experienced repeated airspace violations since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The latest incident occurred concurrently with similar airspace breaches reported by neighboring Romania, a NATO member, which scrambled fighter jets in response to drone incursions during the same period. The Moldovan government, which is pro-European, has consistently denounced Russia's actions in Ukraine and accused Moscow of attempting to destabilize the former Soviet state.