Moldova is investing in air defense against the Russian drones crossing from Ukraine—Romania shoots down the ones that reach it

Moldova's President Maia Sandu announced that her country will invest in air defense following repeated incursions by Russian drones. Sandu spoke at the country's independence celebrations alongside the Ukrainian and Romanian presidents, following another group of drones entering Moldovan airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) claims that these crossings indicate Putin's intent to normalize the threat posed by Russia's strikes on western Ukraine to European states. The drone and missile attacks have been frequent, with Russia targeting the southwestern edge of Ukraine, including the Danube ports and the crossings to the European Union.

Romania's fighter jets and Bulgaria's navy have been destroying drones that reach their borders, while Moldova, a neutral country, assembles air defense capabilities with European funding. Sandu emphasized that Moldova cannot be intimidated by Russian drones violating its airspace and stated that the country is investing in air defense to protect its people and infrastructure. She also called on the international community to strengthen Ukraine's air defense before winter.