Moldova Warns of Growing Russian Threat After Deadly Strike Near Border

CHISINAU, Moldova — Moldova’s President Maia Sandu has warned that Russia’s war in Ukraine is increasingly threatening Moldova after a Russian drone strike killed two people at a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova. The attack targeted the Starokozache border crossing in Ukraine’s Odesa region on September 9, damaging infrastructure and vehicles and forcing the checkpoint to close temporarily. The crossing is located close to Moldova’s border. Sandu condemned the attack, warning that the war is moving closer to Moldova. She said Russia had once again brought terror to Ukraine and that the conflict was reaching Moldova’s border. She also called for stronger air surveillance and defence capabilities in cooperation with European partners. The latest strike came a day after Moldovan authorities reported another security incident involving a drone that entered Moldovan airspace, crossed into Romania and later returned to Moldova before crashing in the country’s Rîșcani district. The incidents have heightened concerns in Chisinau about the potential spillover of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Moldova has repeatedly reported drone incursions and attacks affecting infrastructure close to its territory as the conflict continues. The situation is particularly sensitive because Moldova borders Ukraine and is home to the breakaway region of Transnistria, where Russian troops have been stationed for decades. For Moldova, the latest attacks have reinforced concerns that the war could increasingly affect its security, trade routes and airspace, even though there is currently no indication that Russia has launched a direct military attack on Moldovan territory. Source: Reuters, Moldpres, RFE/RL and The Guardian — September 9, 2026. Editorial Note: The attribution of the attacks to Russia is based on statements from Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities and reporting by international news agencies. The incidents should not be interpreted as evidence of an imminent Russian military invasion of Moldova.