Zelensky Joins Moldova’s Independence Day as Russia Violates Its Airspace With 5 Drones
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Chișinău, Moldova, on Thursday, Aug. 27, for Moldova’s Independence Day celebrations, after five Russian drones entered the country’s airspace hours before the celebrations took place.
On Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky joined Moldovan President Maia Sandu to mark Moldova's 35th Independence Day. This visit occurred shortly after Russian drones violated Moldovan airspace, marking Russia's latest attack on Ukraine. The trip underscored the growing security and European integration bonds between Moldova and Ukraine.
Three days prior, Sandu traveled to Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day, where she awarded Zelensky the highest state honor, the Order of the Republic. Upon arriving in Chișinău, Zelensky emphasized the importance of standing together and strengthening each other, noting that the Moldovan President had been with Ukraine on its Independence Day just days earlier.
The celebrations took place hours after the Defense Ministry reported that five drones had illegally entered Moldovan airspace during Russia's overnight assault on Ukraine. Sandu described these incursions as intimidating, amid increasing Russian drone violations of Moldovan airspace. The day included a military parade in Chișinău, attended by over 2,000 service members and security personnel, 150 veterans, and representatives from partner countries like Ukraine.
Later, Zelensky and Sandu addressed the crowds, envisioning a future where they would all be part of a free and peaceful Europe. Following the parade, they held private talks with Romanian President Nicușor Dan. The three nations finalized strategies to enhance coordination against regional drone threats, improve energy networks, and strengthen transport infrastructure.
Zelensky warned of Russia's threats to its neighbors, citing 11 air raid alerts in Kyiv that day due to Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. The three leaders discussed security and defense cooperation, with Zelensky expressing Ukraine's readiness to support Moldova and Romania's security capabilities. Ukraine and Moldova both aim for EU membership, while Romania, a NATO member, has strongly supported their European integration efforts.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
