A Russian ‘Geran-2’ drone crashed and exploded in Moldova
On the night of 13 July, a Russian ‘Geran-2’ (‘Shahed’) drone crashed and exploded near the village of Kopanka in the Causeni district of Moldova. According to the Moldovan Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the drone crossed the country’s airspace during a Russian air strike on the Odesa region of Ukraine. This was reported by Radio Chisinau.
According to the General Inspectorate of Police, a report of a small aircraft resembling a drone was received via the 112 emergency service at around 01:03. After crashing, the drone exploded, causing a fire.
Police officers, firefighters and other relevant services arrived at the scene. According to preliminary information, no one was injured as a result of the incident. The area has been cordoned off, and law enforcement officers are establishing the full circumstances of the incident.
The Moldovan Ministry of Defence has urged members of the public not to approach the drone wreckage, not to touch it and not to attempt to move it. The ministry also recommended that, should a drone be spotted, people should note its location, refrain from using mobile phones nearby due to the possible presence of explosive materials, move at least 500 metres away and report the discovery by dialling 112.
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the violation of the country’s airspace.
“This latest incident constitutes a serious and unacceptable violation of Moldova’s airspace and once again confirms that Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine poses a direct threat to the safety of our citizens and the entire region,” the ministry stated.
