--- title: "Dodon refuses to discuss drones exploding in the Republic of Moldova with Russian officials, preferring to talk about \"cheap gas\"" url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/84783/dodon-refuses-to-discuss-drones-exploding-in-the-republic-of-moldova-with-russian-officials-preferring-to-talk-about-cheap-gas- published: 2026-09-10T10:05:21Z language: en author: "Dumitru Petruleac" section: "Political" source: radiomoldova.md --- # Dodon refuses to discuss drones exploding in the Republic of Moldova with Russian officials, preferring to talk about "cheap gas" > Socialist leader Igor Dodon has stated that he does not intend to discuss the falling and exploding drones in the Republic of Moldova with Russian officials. Instead, he is focusing on securing "cheap gas" for the country. Dodon clarified that he is not a government representative and therefore cannot raise this matter with Moscow. However, he acknowledges that these incidents pose risks to national security. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/97c06526-478a-48e5-8db6-192b0c37c094.jpg) Socialist leader Igor Dodon has stated that he does not intend to discuss the falling and exploding drones in the Republic of Moldova with Russian officials. Instead, he is focusing on securing "cheap gas" for the country. Dodon clarified that he is not a government representative and therefore cannot raise this matter with Moscow. However, he acknowledges that these incidents pose risks to national security. "I believe that these incidents pose risks to the national security of the Republic of Moldova. We must state this firmly, regardless of our views towards anyone from the East or the West. This is a significant concern. What should I discuss with Russian officials? I am not a representative of the government," declared Dodon before the parliamentary session on September 10. The socialist leader expressed his desire for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine and emphasized that the Republic of Moldova has its own issue: the Transnistrian conflict. "I hope for the swift conclusion of the war in Ukraine. We have our own challenge with the Transnistrian region. I want to convey an important message: I welcome the appointment of Mr. Christopher W. Smith as the OSCE rapporteur and head of the OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova. He is well prepared, and I hope this will build momentum toward resolving the Transnistrian conflict. We are also anticipating the arrival of the US ambassador to Chisinau, which is an important step in this direction," Dodon stated. Although he prefers not to discuss the incidents involving drone explosions on Moldovan territory or near the border — events that resulted in injuries to a Moldovan citizen and caused significant damage — Dodon mentioned that he has engaged in discussions with Russian officials about securing "cheap gas" for the Republic of Moldova. **“To deny the danger is to choose betrayal over the safety of one’s own people.”** This statement by the socialist leader comes in response to recent events following a drone attack on the Starokazacie border crossing point on the Ukrainian side near the Republic of Moldova on the night of September 8-9. The attack resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to three others, including a citizen of the Republic of Moldova. The drone strike also damaged the crossing point's infrastructure and several vehicles, including a bus from the Republic of Moldova, leading to a temporary suspension of the Tudora-Starokazacie crossing. The Russian Federation later admitted to deliberately targeting the Tudora-Starokazacie crossing point, alleging that weapons were being transported to Ukraine through that route. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau rejected these claims, labeling them as false and unfounded. *"No weapons are transported to Ukraine through the territory of the Republic of Moldova, neither through the Tudora-Starokazacie crossing point nor through any other border points. The individuals crossing these points include families, children, mothers, and the elderly,"* the press release stated. The Ministry described Russia's attempt to justify the civilian deaths with these baseless accusations as *“cynical and unacceptable.”* They firmly condemned the attack and rejected any attempt to legitimize it through disinformation. Another incident occurred on Tuesday evening, September 8, when a drone crashed into a sunflower field in the village of Mihăilenii Vechi, Râșcani district. This incident caused four fires but no casualties were reported. Leaders of the Republic of Moldova condemned both attacks. *"It is hard to believe that, in the face of this reality, there are still voices trying to convince Moldovans that Russia is not the aggressor or that the war next door does not concern us. To deny the danger while Russian drones and missiles sow death and threaten Moldova—and to criticize your country’s efforts to strengthen its defense system—means choosing betrayal over the safety of your own people. We choose to do what we can to defend our people and to enhance our ability to protect our skies and borders. Let us call things by their true names and stand on the side of good,"* stated President Maia Sandu.