Moldova says five Russian weapons exploded on its territory
Three missiles and two drones came down in four districts during Russia's attack on Ukraine. Chisinau reports no injuries, and its president demands Moscow be stopped.
Five Russian aerial weapons violated Moldova's airspace and exploded on its territory during the overnight attack on Ukraine, the Moldovan government said on Saturday, October 3. They were three missiles and two drones, according to The Kyiv Independent, which cites Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi. Moldova lies between Ukraine and Romania; it is not a NATO member, but its neighbor is.
All five cases happened between 7:45 and 8:00 in the morning local time, which is 22:45 and 23:00 on Friday in Mexico City, according to Euromaidan Press. Nosatîi said the missiles were of the Banderol type and called the drones "sophisticated and fast." A sixth object entered at 8:04 heading for Palanca and left a minute later without exploding, according to UNN, a Ukrainian news agency.
President Maia Sandu condemned the attacks on X:
Russia's war is dangerously reaching Moldova. Moscow is putting lives at risk across Europe and must be stopped.
Explosions were reported near Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă, Delacău, Puhăceni and Căușeni, and debris was found in four districts: Căușeni, Hîncești, Anenii Noi and Ștefan Vodă. Authorities report no injuries. The sources differ on damage. The Kyiv Independent says there were no casualties or damage. Euromaidan Press reports that a drone in Crocmaz set vegetation on fire and broke windows at an agricultural facility.
It is not the first time. On September 30 another Russian drone damaged Moldovan communications infrastructure during a massive attack on Ukraine, according to ABC News, and The Kyiv Independent recalls similar incidents on September 24 and August 17.
As of this writing there is no reaction from Romania, NATO or Moscow in the sources reviewed. The three reports consulted come from Ukrainian outlets that cite Moldovan authorities, and the original statement from Moldova's Defense Ministry is still missing.
