Moldova condemns Shahed drone overflight as sovereignty violation

Moldova’s Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over what it described as a serious violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following the overflight of a Shahed-type drone.

In a statement released on March 31, the ministry strongly condemned the unauthorised entry of the unmanned aerial vehicle into Moldova’s airspace.

The ministry stated that the incident constitutes an unacceptable breach of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that such actions pose risks to public safety and regional stability. It also stressed the need for strict adherence to international law.

The statement follows reports that a Shahed-type drone breached Moldova’s airspace at 21:29 on March 30. Air surveillance systems tracked the drone as it continued over Moldovan territory, passing above several populated areas, including Dubăsari and Orhei, moving northwards.

In response, the Civil Aeronautical Authority temporarily restricted airspace in the northern region for 15 minutes as a precautionary measure to ensure flight safety. Monitoring of the drone’s trajectory continued until 22:03, when it disappeared from radar near Clișova. The country’s airspace was reopened at 22:18.

By Khagan Isayev