Russian drone strike near Ukraine-Moldova border kills at least two as Ukraine targets oil terminal

Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed condemnation over a Russian drone strike that targeted the Starokozache international border crossing on September 9, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to three others, according to Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper. Rescuers managed to evacuate 16 individuals from a bus to safety, as reported by Kiper.

Sandu further informed that a Russian drone compelled Moldova to temporarily suspend its airspace, highlighting the ongoing westward advance of Russian forces in Ukraine. She emphasized the need for enhanced air defense support for Ukraine, urging a more robust international response to Russian strikes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed Sandu's sentiments earlier in the day, lamenting the insufficient reaction from the global community to Russian aggression, including drone attacks on border crossings. The Southern Regional Directorate of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service announced on September 9 that border operations had resumed, underscoring the importance of maintaining border crossings to prevent traffic congestion and maintain secure routes along the Moldova-Ukraine border.

Security measures for citizens crossing the border remain in place, prepared to counter any potential Russian attempts to attack border infrastructure.

Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine's State Border Guard Service, suggested that Russia's objective behind targeting border crossings is to disrupt logistical operations. The fourth incident of Russian drone strikes on border crossings occurred on August 25, which damaged the Vynohradivka border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova in Odesa Oblast, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry reported on August 27 that five drones had breached Moldovan airspace the previous night, expressing concerns about the dangers posed by Russia's war on Ukraine.

On September 8, a suspected Russian Shahed-type drone violated Moldovan and Romanian airspace, prompting airspace closures, emergency alerts, and the deployment of NATO fighter jets from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania.