Russian Drone Incursion Forces Moldova to Restrict Airspace in Multiple Regions

A Russian drone violated Moldovan airspace during a massive bombardment of neighboring Ukraine, forcing the authorities to temporarily close portions of its national airspace, the Moldovan Ministry of Defense reported on May 13.

The unmanned aerial vehicle crossed the state border at 4:00 p.m. local time, entering from the direction of Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region towards the northern Moldovan village of Sauca. Five minutes later, locals spotted the drone flying over the city of Balti as it headed south toward the Ungheni district, according to the ministry.

The National Army’s air surveillance systems continuously tracked the drone as it penetrated deeper into the country. It was detected over the Hincesti district before briefly disappearing from radar near the village of Mingir at 4:26 p.m., military officials stated.

The drone reappeared on radar screens in the southern Cahul district at 4:55 p.m., flying over Cislita Prut before dropping off the radar entirely near Giurgiulesti, a port village situated at the borders of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, the Defense Ministry noted.

In response to the incursion, authorities temporarily restricted airspace in Moldova’s northern and central regions until 4:59 p.m. The Defense Ministry urged the public to observe security measures and immediately report any drone sightings to emergency services via the 112 hotline.

Read more

Category

Opinion

When Russian Drones Enter Europe—By Violating NATO Airspace and by Invitation

Nov 17, 2025 15:18

This incursion is just the latest in a growing pattern of Russian drones straying into Moldovan territory during bombardments of Ukraine. Moldovan authorities have recently discovered a Russian-made Gerbera drone near the village of Sofia in the northern Drochia district.

While police and explosive experts confirmed the drone did not carry a warhead, the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the incident as a breach of national airspace and a direct threat to the safety of its citizens.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense