Russian Geran drone crashes just 100 meters from homes in Moldova, Sandu responds
Moldovan President Maia Sandu (photo: Getty Images)
A Russian drone crashed near residential buildings in Moldova's Telenești district. In response, the country's authorities declared a Russian Embassy employee persona non grata, according to Moldova's National Police and a statement by Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
The incident occurred in the village of Chiștelnița in Telenești district. The drone crashed about 100 meters from a residential building.
Preliminary information indicates no one was injured. Law enforcement officers are working at the scene. Police have cordoned off the area to protect residents, while bomb disposal experts are examining the object.
Authorities are urging the public not to approach suspicious objects and to avoid the area while inspections are underway.
Geran drone crashes near residential buildings in Moldova (photo: facebook.com/politiarepubliciimoldova)
President Maia Sandu strongly condemned the incident, stressing that Russia's war keeps "putting Moldovan lives at risk."
"Today, a Russian Geran strike drone violated our airspace and fell near family homes and an energy facility. We condemn this latest dangerous act. In response, we have declared a Russian embassy staff member persona non grata," Sandu said.
Notably, this is far from the first time Russian drones have entered Moldovan territory during Russia's massive attacks on Ukraine.
For example, on the night of October 11, a Russian drone crashed and exploded in Moldova. The country's national air surveillance systems reportedly did not detect any unauthorized border crossing.
In addition, Ukraine's Air Force emphasized that the repeated incursions of Russian drones into Moldovan airspace were planned actions by Russia.
