MoldovaS Civil aviation Authority reported renewed violations of its airspace by Russian drones on Friday, prompting concerns over aviation safety and escalating tensions in the region. This marks the latest in a series of such incidents reported by the Eastern European nation since Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine began.
The repeated incursions, detected by radar systems, pose a direct threat to civilian air travel and underscore Moldova’s vulnerability amidst the ongoing conflict. While no immediate disruptions to flights were reported, the government in chișinău has condemned the actions as unacceptable provocations and a breach of international airspace regulations. The incidents occur as Moldova navigates a complex geopolitical landscape,balancing its pro-European aspirations with its geographic proximity to the war in Ukraine and the presence of Russian-backed separatists in Transnistria.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the drones entered Moldovan airspace over the Transnistrian region. Authorities are investigating the origin and purpose of the drones, but suspicion falls on Russia, which has previously been accused of similar actions. Moldova closed its airspace temporarily in March 2022 following reports of unidentified objects, and has repeatedly voiced concerns about escalating risks to its security.
“These repeated violations demonstrate a clear disregard for Moldova’s sovereignty and the safety of its airspace,” stated a government spokesperson. “We are working with international partners to address this issue and ensure the security of our citizens and air travelers.”
