Russia Strikes Border Crossing With Moldova, Killing 2 and Injuring 3

Russian drones targeted the Starokozache border crossing with Moldova on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to three others, according to Ukrainian officials. The drones struck the crossing's infrastructure and the surrounding area, causing fires, and the crossing was briefly closed, with Moldova informed of the incident.

Sixteen individuals were evacuated from the area, and emergency crews were on site to assist. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strike, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and demanding an immediate response from the international community to Russia's aggressive actions. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry reported that one of the injured was a Moldovan citizen who declined hospitalization to travel to Chisinau by car.

The other victims were identified as Ukrainian citizens. The Moldovan government is still verifying claims of damage or destruction to Moldovan vehicles. Border crossing operations resumed after 3 p.m., as border guards, emergency services, and other authorities worked to clear debris and restore the checkpoint. This incident is the latest in a series of Russian strikes on border infrastructure in the Odesa region, including attacks on the Orlivka-Romania crossing on September 1 and the Vinohradivka-Vulcanesti crossing on August 25.