Russian diplomat summoned by MFA: Moldova submits protest note over drone crash in Galați
Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova and handed him a note of protest over what it described as a “serious violation of regional security” caused by a Russian explosive-laden drone that crashed into an apartment building in Galați, Romania, on 29 May.
The Russian diplomat was presented with Moldova’s position, which strongly condemns the incident and expresses full solidarity with Romania and the people affected.
“Such actions are a direct consequence of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine and create serious risks to regional security and the safety of citizens,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.
The ministry reiterated its call on Russia to end its war of aggression against Ukraine, withdraw its military forces from Ukrainian territory, and fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
A drone crashed into an apartment building in Galați on the night of 29 May, leaving two people with minor burns. Romanian authorities declared the Russian consul in Constanța persona non grata and ordered the closure of the consulate. According to a technical report completed by Romanian experts, the drone that crashed in Galați was a Russian-made Geran-2.
Commenting on the incident, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that “Russia’s aggression brings the danger of war into our homes and puts the lives of our citizens at risk.” She added that the war has been killing people in Ukraine for four years and “must not continue for even one more day.”
Fifty-six countries, most of them members of the European Union and NATO, condemned Russia’s “unacceptable” behavior during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened on 1 June at Romania’s request.
