On October 23, a Russian Geran-type strike drone crashed in Moldova. The aircraft violated the country's airspace and fell near residential buildings and an energy facility. In response, the Moldovan authorities decided to declare an employee of the Russian embassy persona non grata.
This was reported by Moldovan President Maia Sandu on social network X.
According to the head of state, the Russian drone posed a direct threat to the safety of Moldovan citizens.
"Russia's war continues to endanger the lives of Moldovan citizens," Sandu stressed.
The president condemned the latest violation of the country's airspace and announced diplomatic measures against Russia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova confirmed the decision to declare one of the employees of the Russian embassy in Chisinau persona non grata. The name and position of the diplomat have not yet been disclosed.
According to the state agency Moldpres, the explosive-laden drone crashed in the village of Chiștelnica, Telenesti district, approximately 100 meters from a residential house.
A local resident reported the discovery to the police. Arriving law enforcement officers cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and conduct a drone inspection.
According to preliminary data, no one was injured as a result of the incident.
Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Defense of Moldova reported the penetration of an unknown drone into the country's airspace during a massive Russian attack on Ukraine.
According to the Moldovan TV channel TV8, surveillance systems recorded the aircraft at 13:59. At 14:10 it disappeared from radar, and at 14:12 it was briefly detected again in the Rezina district.
Subsequently, the police received a report of a drone crash in the Telenesti district.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova called the incident a serious violation of the sovereignty and security of the state, as well as a direct threat to the lives of citizens.
Chisinau demanded that Russia stop actions that pose a threat to regional security.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Moldova, since the beginning of 2026, 65 cases of violation of the country's airspace have been registered, of which 17 occurred in October. Since 2022, the total number of such incidents has reached 102.
Previously, Moldovan authorities have repeatedly summoned Russian embassy representatives to deliver protest notes after missiles and drones entered the country's territory.
As Kurs.com.ua reported, on September 30, Moldova recorded three airspace violations in one day. The incidents occurred against the backdrop of Russian strikes on Ukraine.
Moldovan authorities urge citizens not to approach detected drones and their debris, not to attempt to move suspicious objects on their own, and to immediately report findings by calling 112.
