Russian drones endanger neutral Moldova with 60 airspace breaches
Russian military aggression against Ukraine has repeatedly spilled into Moldovan airspace since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Over the past four and a half years, defense systems have recorded 60 illegal overflights involving Russian and Iranian-manufactured missiles and drones, including decoy aircraft.
Several devices crashed and exploded on Moldovan soil. While no casualties have been reported, defense officials confirm that these incidents pose a direct threat to national security.
Escalating airspace violations
Official data from the National Army Air Operations Center reveals a steady increase in violations over time. Moldovan authorities recorded five incidents in 2022, four in 2023, 15 in 2024, 21 in 2025, and 15 in the first seven months of 2026 alone.
*"These incidents included explosions in the Transnistrian region, missile and drone fragments discovered near the border with Ukraine, as well as drones carrying explosive payloads," stated Ministry of Defense representatives.
The incursions involved Iranian-designed Shahed drones operated by Russia, Russian-made Gerbera models, Geran-2 units, and various unarmed decoy drones designed to confuse air defenses.
Ground discoveries and explosive threats
Incursions spanned every region of the country, with heavy concentrations along the northern, central, and southern borders with Ukraine, as well as the unrecognised Transnistria region.
Authorities identified 28 cases where debris landed on Moldovan territory. At least 12 of these involved active explosive charges or armed drones, prompting specialized military interventions in districts such as Ocnița, Taraclia, Orhei, and Căușeni.
Diplomatic friction and neutrality debate
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly summoned Russian Ambassador-designate Oleg Ozerov to hand over formal protest notes. However, Russian diplomatic representatives have consistently questioned the origin of the crashed drones.
Security analysts argue that these persistent breaches highlight the limits of constitutional neutrality during an active conflict on the border.
"We live in a world where international law is increasingly disregarded," said Alexandru Tănase, former president of the Constitutional Court. "Under these conditions, legal neutrality alone cannot protect a nation from military aggression. Joining a larger security architecture like NATO remains the only realistic defense."
Defense officials urge citizens who discover downed drones to remain at least 500 meters away, avoid touching the objects, and immediately contact emergency services at 112, warning that detonators can be sensitive to radio frequencies.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
