Moldova airspace alert triggered by hot air balloon near Ukrainian border
Ukrainian radar systems detected a flying object over Moldova on the afternoon of December 26, which authorities later identified as a hot air balloon.
The Border Police reported that Ukrainian officials spotted the craft at 15:45. It traveled over several northern localities, including Bârnova and Dondușeni, before vanishing from radar near Brătușeni.
Ministry of Defense confirms civilian craft
Following an investigation, the Ministry of Defense’s Air Operations Service confirmed the object was a hot air balloon. This finding dismissed initial security concerns regarding potential military hardware.
Authorities stated that no risks to the population were identified. The situation remains under constant monitoring to ensure continued public safety in the border region.
Tensions remain high after previous drone incursions
This alert follows a series of security breaches in late November. During that period, six Russian drones entered Moldovan airspace without authorization.
One drone, marked with the "Z" symbol of Russian military aggression, crashed onto a residential building in Cuhureștii de Jos. Another was discovered by a resident in the Sângerei district.
Government response to regional threats
In response to these incursions, Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Ambassador, Oleg Ozerov, to issue a formal protest note.
President Maia Sandu warned that these drones represent a persistent danger. She emphasized that misinformation often masks the reality of risks as long as Russia's war against Ukraine continues.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
