Ambassador Oleg Ozerov acknowledges that the crashed drones in Moldova are Russian
Oleg Ozerov, Russia’s designated ambassador to Chișinău, does not deny that some of the drones that have fallen on the territory of the Republic of Moldova are Russian. Thus, Oleg Ozerov acknowledges for the first time that Moscow is violating the Republic of Moldova's airspace and endangering the safety of Moldovan citizens—as the authorities in Chișinău allege—despite previously denying that the drones detected in the country were launched by the Russian Federation.
"We do not rule out or deny the fact that some of these drones could be Russian. However, this is no secret, given the intensified attacks on Ukraine's logistics in response to the strikes Ukraine is carrying out against civilian logistics in Russia. At the same time, we must bear in mind that the Republic of Moldova is not a target. Therefore, stoking confrontational sentiments, fueling the threat of war, and alleging a Russian readiness to attack the Republic of Moldova is absolutely unfounded," stated Oleg Ozerov. Previously, upon leaving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—where he had been handed notes of protest regarding illegal drone incursions into domestic airspace—Oleg Ozerov would ostentatiously demand "proof" of the aircraft's Russian origin.
It should be noted that, recently, an increasing number of Russian drones have been illegally overflying the national airspace, with some crashing and exploding on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The number of unauthorised overflights has risen significantly this year, far exceeding the figures from 2025. According to data from the National Army's Air Operations Service, 44 such incidents were recorded between January 1 and September 24, compared with 17 documented throughout the previous year.
Between 2022 and 2026, the airspace of the Republic of Moldova was violated in 81 instances, involving Russian- and Iranian-made missiles and drones, including decoy drones.
According to the National Army, the rise in incidents is occurring against the backdrop of intensified Russian air attacks on Ukraine.
While four incidents were reported in 2022, six in 2023, ten in 2024, and 17 in 2025, a total of 44 cases were recorded in the first nine months of 2026 (approximately).
Of the objects involved, 45 were drones, 12 were decoy drones, and six were missiles.
In another 17 cases, authorities identified fragments of drones and missiles, and in one instance, observed a balloon-like object.
Regarding the consequences of these incidents, authorities report over 50 illegal overflights with no ground impact, as well as 17 cases where objects were found on the ground without causing damage.
Additionally, 13 incidents resulted in explosions, and the airspace of the Republic of Moldova was closed in more than ten instances.
Areas with the highest number of reported incidents include localities in the Gagauzia Autonomous Territorial Unit; the Ștefan Vodă, Căușeni, Soroca, Edineț, and Briceni districts; the municipality of Bălți; and other localities in the north and east of the country.
