Moldova confronts Russia on airspace violations and drone incidents
The summoning of the Russian Federation’s Ambassador, Oleg Ozerov, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a standard, albeit delayed, diplomatic measure.
This statement was made by Alexandru Tănase, former President of the Constitutional Court, during the program “În Context” on Moldova 1. According to Tănase, such measures are unlikely to alter the Russian Federation’s behaviour, as the country has consistently denied any violation of international law.
“It is standard practice for the ambassador of the concerned country to be summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when such incidents arise, in order to formally convey disapproval of that nation’s actions. In this instance, the situation is more complex: the Russian ambassador is a controversial figure, known to have been involved in several illicit, subversive activities. It is curious that the government approved his appointment despite this background,” Tănase stated.
The former Constitutional Court president added that Russia’s refusal to acknowledge ownership of the drones found within Moldova’s territory reflects a familiar approach, reminiscent of the Soviet Union’s consistent denial of international law violations.
“These drones could not belong to any other party; only the Russian Federation has the interest, capability, and the necessary equipment, making them responsible for these drones entering Moldova’s airspace,” emphasised Alexandru Tănase.
Tănase further commented that, in response to these provocations, the primary concern of the authorities in Chișinău should be the security of the country’s airspace.
“Russia will continue using Moldova’s territory to transport aerial equipment in its campaign against the government in Kyiv. Russia seeks to restore the Soviet Union, aiming to occupy Ukraine and dismantle it as a state, and Moldova could be next in line,” Tănase warned.
Notably, the Russian ambassador in Chișinău, Oleg Ozerov, was summoned on Tuesday, November 12, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was presented with a protest note concerning Moscow’s interference in elections and violations of Moldova’s airspace.
Additionally, another drone was discovered the same day in the Criuleni district. Two more were located on Sunday, November 10, in the districts of Căușeni and Râșcani, respectively.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fragments of airborne objects have frequently fallen onto Moldova’s territory. In February, pieces of a Shahed drone, loaded with 50 kilograms of explosives, were found near the village of Etulia in the Vulcănești district. Last year, remnants of a missile were discovered in a lake near Hîrbovăț village, Anenii Noi district.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
