Five Russian air attack vehicles, including three missiles and two drones, violated Moldova’s airspace and exploded on its territory on October 3, prompting Chisinau to summon Russia’s ambassador for the second time in a week, Moldovan authorities said. Another drone was spotted immediately after the communication.

The incidents occurred as Russia launched a new wave of attacks against Ukraine. Explosions were reported in several Moldovan districts, including Crocmaz, where one explosion caused a vegetation fire and shattered the windows of an agricultural brigade. No casualties were reported.

Moldova’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov and handed him a protest note over the unauthorised incursions. The move followed a similar summons on October 1, after three drones violated Moldovan airspace on September 30, with two subsequently falling and exploding.

Ozerov disputed the attribution of the drones to Russia after the earlier incidents, saying Moscow had not been presented with evidence of their origin and calling for an investigation, according to Deschide.md.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said the five Russian air attack vehicles, including Banderol missiles and drones, had violated the country’s airspace and exploded on Moldovan territory.

“Russia’s war against Ukraine directly endangers the lives of our citizens,” Sandu said cited by Deschide.md. She condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and said that as long as the war continued, Ukraine needed support to defend its population and protect regional security.

Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi also attributed the incidents to Russia, saying the drones launched by the Russian Federation were bringing “fear and danger” to Moldovan citizens. He said the authorities had documented five incidents involving three missiles and two drones.

The Banderol, also designated S8000, is a relatively small Russian air-launched weapon whose use in Ukraine was first documented in spring 2025. It combines characteristics of a cruise missile and an attack drone and has a smaller warhead than conventional cruise missiles, while requiring relatively sophisticated air-defence systems for interception.

The latest incidents mark a further escalation in the frequency of aerial violations reported by Moldova as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.