In a shocking escalation of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russian drones have breached the airspace of neighboring Moldova and NATO member Romania, leading to a diplomatic firestorm as ambassadors are summoned and tensions rise to new heights.
Drones Strike Moldova and Romania Amid Port Attacks
The stray drones, identified as Iranian-made Shahed models, crossed into Moldovan and Romanian territory as Russia stepped up attacks on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine near the shared borders. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from regional leaders.
“Shahed drones violated our airspace, two exploded on our soil, putting Moldovan lives at risk” as part of Moscow’s “criminal” war on Ukraine.
– Maia Sandu, President of Moldova
Moldovan authorities reported two drones crashing in fields, with fragments from a third drone discovered separately. In response, Moldova announced the closure of the Russian Cultural Centre, a move decried as “unprecedented and provocative” by pro-Kremlin forces.
Romania Demands Halt to “Illegal” Drone Attacks
Romania also summoned the Russian envoy after its radar systems detected airspace violations. Searchers later found the wreckage of two drones outfitted with explosive charges. The Foreign Ministry issued a stern warning:
“These illegal and irresponsible attacks must stop, and Romania reserves the right to take the necessary measures.”
– Romanian Foreign Ministry statement
Trump-Putin Talks Spark Anger and Skepticism
News of Donald Trump’s direct talks with Vladimir Putin has been met with a mix of anger, betrayal, and cautious hope on the streets of Kyiv. Many Ukrainians fear being sidelined in any potential deal between the two leaders.
- Oleksii, 34: “There is no certainty that this war will end for us, because Trump does not perceive us as an equal party.”
- Serhii, 39: “We do have to negotiate, but on Ukraine’s terms.”
Russian commentators, meanwhile, see Putin as holding the upper hand. “A direct call with Trump was precisely what Putin had been waiting for,” stated one foreign policy insider. The Kremlin’s supporters gloated over Trump’s prioritization of Russia in the talks.
Zelenskyy: No Deal Without Ukraine at the Table
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back against any peace deal made solely between Trump and Putin, insisting that Ukraine would not accept an agreement negotiated without its participation. European leaders echoed this stance, warning of the risks of unilateral concessions.
“If Ukraine decides to resist, Europe will back its principles. Yes, we are 20% less if the US decides to withdraw, but still, Ukraine will defend the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity.”
– Kaja Kallas, EU’s top diplomat
Ukraine Holds Reduced Territory in Russian Region
In a separate development, Ukraine appeared to acknowledge that it now controls only a third of the territory it had captured in Russia’s Kursk region during a 2024 offensive. The admission points to the fluid nature of battle lines in the grinding conflict.
As diplomatic maneuvering accelerates and fighting rages on, the drone strikes in Moldova and Romania underscore the risk of the Ukraine war spilling beyond its borders. With tensions running high and no clear path to peace, the international community watches anxiously for the next moves by all sides in this volatile conflict.
