Moldova Recalled its Ambassador from Russia Following Drone Explosion on Its Territory

Moldova recalled its ambassador from Russia after a Russian drone crashed and exploded on its territory.

This was reported by the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry issued an official statement regarding the drone explosion near the village of Krokmaz in the Ștefan Vodă district, which was reported by the police on August 9.

Experts determined that the explosion occurred at an altitude of approximately 2.5 meters as a result of the drone colliding with a tree in a forest strip.

Debris from the drone caused damage to several homes in the village. No one was injured.

According to preliminary findings, the characteristics of the debris indicate that the aircraft may have been a “drone-missile.”

It is likely a Russian Banderol loitering munition launched during the attack on August 9.

This is the first time an unmanned aerial vehicle of this type has been detected on Moldovan territory.

The investigation to precisely determine the type and origin of the vehicle, as well as all the circumstances of the incident, is ongoing.

“Our airspace has been violated repeatedly in recent years. Russia’s war against Ukraine directly affects us. It is Russia that is waging this aggressive war and bears responsibility for the danger it poses to the homes of our citizens,” commented Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the incident.

The head of state also noted that there has been a significant increase in such incidents in 2026: as of August 9, 15 cases of unauthorized overflights of Moldovan airspace had been recorded.