Russian Shahed drone crashes in Moldova during massive overnight attack on Ukraine

A Russian Shahed-type attack drone crashed in Moldova during Russia's overnight strike on Ukraine, prompting condemnation from the Moldovan authorities.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, the incident occurred overnight on March 14 in the eastern part of the country and involved a violation of Moldova's airspace by a Shahed-type UAV, Ukrinform reports, citing NewsMaker.

The ministry described the incident as "a violation of Moldova's sovereignty and a threat to national security."

"Moldova strongly condemns such actions, as well as the war of aggression unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which brings only losses and destruction while directly threatening regional security and the safety of Moldovan citizens," the ministry said, adding that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant services.

Earlier on March 14, the Moldovan Border Police reported that a drone had been detected in the country's airspace overnight. Officials said they were inspecting the area where the UAV may have crashed.

According to Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities, the drone was flying in eastern Moldova toward the villages of Ucrainca in Moldova and Novosilka in Ukraine before disappearing from radar. Ukrainian border guards said the UAV vanished in the Cimislia district near the village of Troitcoe.

Earlier, Ukraine's air defense forces reported intercepting 460 Russian aerial targets since the evening of March 13, including 58 missiles and 402 drones of various types.

Photo for illustration purposes