Moldova Recalls Ambassador in Moscow After Drone Crashes Near Border With Ukraine

Aug. 10, 2026 The Embassy of Moldova in Moscow. Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency Moldova said Monday it would recall its ambassador to Russia for consultations after an unidentified drone crashed and exploded near its border with Ukraine. The drone crashed into a tree line near the southern village of Crocmaz across the border from Ukraine’s Odesa region on Sunday afternoon. Police, which did not report any injuries, said debris was scattered over a wide area and damaged several nearby homes. The debris contained components matching guided missile technology, Moldovan officials said, marking the first time an aircraft of this type was detected on Moldovan territory since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chisinau said it summoned its ambassador in Russia back home for consultations, calling the incident a “grave violation of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” that risks the safety of its citizens. “Moldova condemns Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its impact on the security of our country and the broader region,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. Moldovan President Maia Sandu also condemned the crash on Monday, calling it a “direct consequence” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “It puts us all in danger. The threat to human life in our region is real and continues to grow. This must stop,” Sandu wrote on X. The timing of the drone explosion coincided with Sunday afternoon reports of Russian shelling of Odesa, which Moscow has been targeting in an attempt to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea. Airspace intrusions in Eastern Europe have become more frequent as Russia targets Ukrainian port infrastructure near the borders of both Moldova and neighboring Romania. Moldova had repeatedly summoned Russia’s ambassador in Chisinau following similar drone crashes. It has also moved to close a Kremlin-funded cultural center in Chisinau. Read more about: Moldova , Drones Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russian Ambassador Slams Authorities in Moldova After Being Summoned Over Drone Incursion Moldova said six Russian drones violated the country’s airspace on Tuesday, with at least one crashing onto the roof of a home. 1 Min read Russia Hits Seat of Ukraine Government in War's Biggest Air Attack Russia fired at least 810 drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine, the largest of the war, according to the Ukrainian air force. 3 Min read Moldova Summons Russian Ambassador After Drones Explode on Its Territory “Shahed drones violated our airspace, two exploded on our soil, putting Moldovan lives at risk,” Moldovan President Maia Sandu said. 2 Min read Moldova, Ukraine Dismiss Breakaway Republic’s Drone Strike Claims Pro-Russian separatist authorities claimed that an explosion in the breakaway region of Transnistria was likely caused by a drone launched from Ukraine... 2 Min read