--- title: "Ukrainian Ambassador on possible drone production in Moldova: “Everyone has the right to build own defense system”" url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/82723/ukrainian-ambassador-on-possible-drone-production-in-moldova--everyone-has-the-right-to-build-own-defense-system- published: 2026-08-09T18:40:00Z language: en author: "Dumitru Petruleac" section: "Political" source: radiomoldova.md --- # Ukrainian Ambassador on possible drone production in Moldova: “Everyone has the right to build own defense system” > The Republic of Moldova has the right to develop its own drone production capabilities, irrespective of its neutrality status, according to Paun Rohovei, the Ukrainian ambassador to Chisinau. In an interview with the "Dimensiunea Diplomatică" program on Moldova 1, the ambassador discussed the lessons Ukraine has learned during the war and emphasized the important role that unmanned technologies can play in enhancing regional security. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/cc85f96a-4e10-4cc8-81b7-be9143b6ad96.jpg) The Republic of Moldova has the right to develop its own drone production capabilities, irrespective of its neutrality status, according to Paun Rohovei, the Ukrainian ambassador to Chisinau. In an interview with the "Dimensiunea Diplomatică" program on Moldova 1, the ambassador discussed the lessons Ukraine has learned during the war and emphasized the important role that unmanned technologies can play in enhancing regional security. Paun Rohovei was asked about his message for those who oppose the development of defense capabilities in the Republic of Moldova, considering the country’s neutral status. The ambassador responded by asserting that neutrality does not prevent a state from establishing its own defense system. “Every state, regardless of its neutral status, has the right to determine its forms and methods of defense. Today, we are witnessing a disregard for international law, particularly by the Russian Federation. Regardless of one’s status, every state possesses both the moral right and the necessity to create its own defense system,” said Paun Rohovei. The Ukrainian ambassador emphasized that the experience gained from the war has accelerated the development of military technologies in Ukraine, especially drones. He noted that Ukraine has acquired an "incomparable" level of experience in both the use and development of these systems. “The topic you mentioned, the production of smart drones, exemplifies how Ukraine is employing these technologies as defense tools while minimizing the use of human resources. Today, depending on the mission, one drone can replace up to ten or even more personnel,” explained the diplomat. **Ukraine and the EU: A partnership for drone production** Paun Rohovei also spoke about the recent agreement between Ukraine and the European Union concerning the joint production of drones. According to him, this initiative indicates that Ukraine’s experience in unmanned technologies not only contributes to its own defense but also enhances the security of the entire European continent. “Ukraine has become a significant player in international law, capable of making an unprecedented contribution to the overall security of Europe,” said the ambassador. He noted that the development of drones has been driven by Ukraine’s need to adapt to the realities of war and find solutions that enable the country to defend itself with fewer human resources. In this context, the Ukrainian ambassador believes that developing such capabilities in the Republic of Moldova should also be viewed through the lens of national and regional security. **Moldovan-Ukrainian relations at an unprecedented level** The diplomat praised the evolution of relations between Chișinău and Kyiv, stating that they have reached an unprecedented level both politically and economically. Rohovei highlighted the support provided by the Republic of Moldova to Ukraine following the onset of the large-scale Russian invasion, which included Moldova's backing within international organizations and its assistance to Ukrainian refugees. “From the very first days of this barbaric war initiated by the Russian Federation, the leadership of the Republic of Moldova has consistently stood with Ukraine. We have received support at all international forums,” said the ambassador. He also commended the solidarity of Moldovan society towards Ukrainian refugees and noted that the strengthening of ties between the two countries reflects a “mature position” from both Chișinău and Kyiv. At the end of the show, the Ukrainian ambassador expressed gratitude to the Republic of Moldova and its citizens for their support. He affirmed that Ukraine will do everything possible to ensure that its citizens in the Republic of Moldova can eventually return to a safe country and enjoy “a dignified future, specifically at home.” *** In June, President Maia Sandu announced that the Republic of Moldova may begin producing its own drones, anti-drone systems, and jamming technologies. The president emphasized that the government is focused on strengthening defense capabilities against air threats. To facilitate this, legislative amendments will be introduced to attract private sector involvement and foreign investors in this industry. She also cautioned that the Russian Federation is escalating its hybrid warfare tactics in the region. Additionally, Maia Sandu noted the potential for Moldova to benefit from Ukraine's expertise in drone technology and defense systems. Since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldovan airspace has been illegally overflown by Russian drones on multiple occasions. Several unmanned aircraft, including those equipped with explosives, have crashed on Moldovan territory. One of the most recent incidents occurred on May 13, when a Shahed drone traversed the entire country from north to south.