Russian drone launched at Ukraine explodes on Moldovan territory

A Russian drone launched by Russia in an attack targeting Ukraine flew into Moldovan territory and exploded there, Moldova's Ministry of Defense said on Sept. 30.

The incident marks another instance in which drone or debris activity connected to Russia's war against Ukraine has spilled over into neighboring Moldova, a non-NATO country bordering Ukraine.

Moldova's Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident but did not immediately provide further details on the exact location of the explosion, the extent of any damage, or whether there were any casualties.

Such incursions have periodically raised concerns in Moldova about the risks posed by its proximity to the ongoing conflict, even as the country itself remains outside the direct war between Russia and Ukraine.

Moldovan authorities have in the past raised similar incidents with international partners as part of broader efforts to document violations of the country's airspace linked to the war next door.