Tensions Rise as Moldova and Romania Respond to Russian Drone Strikes Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Moldova and NATO member Romania have taken a firm stand against Russia following reports of drone strikes that violated their airspace, reportedly part of Moscow's aggressive campaign against Ukraine. The situation escalated when both countries summoned Russia's ambassadors for discussions surrounding the dangerous incidents.
Romania's President Maia Sandu condemned the strikes, stating that Russian Shahed drones had crossed into Moldovan airspace, with two drones crashing on Moldovan territory. "These actions put Moldovan lives at risk as part of Moscow's criminal war on Ukraine," she declared. Moldovan authorities later discovered drone fragments at multiple locations, reinforcing the seriousness of the threat. In response, Moldova announced the closure of the Russian Cultural Centre, which had been operational since 2009 and employed six Russian diplomats, a step labeled as provocative by the pro-Kremlin Socialist party.
In Romania, the situation mirrored that of Moldova. The Romanian foreign ministry reported that radar systems had identified unauthorized aerial targets infiltrating their airspace, leading to the recovery of drone fragments. Romania's government emphasized that these illegal and irresponsible attacks must cease and reserved the right to take further action.
Amid the mounting tensions, reactions from Ukraine suggest deep feelings of anger and betrayal following former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian citizens expressed concerns that Trump's engagement with Putin undermined Ukraine's position in the ongoing conflict. Oleksii, a 34-year-old in Kyiv, remarked that the war's resolution seemed uncertain because Trump does not view Ukraine as an equal party. Similarly, 39-year-old Serhii criticized Trump's past interactions with Putin, likening him to a 'doormat'.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed discontent that negotiations concerning peace should not be left solely to Trump and Putin. He emphasized that any deal made without Ukrainian consideration is unacceptable. Zelenskyy remarked on the unpleasantness of Trump prioritizing a dialogue with Russia before addressing Ukraine's concerns, reinforcing the need for inclusive discussions involving all affected parties.
European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, underscored the importance of including Ukraine in any potential negotiations. She voiced her determination to support Ukraine's fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any agreement made without the Ukrainians would be met with resistance. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also rejected the possibility of a peace dictated by either party, stating that neither a Russian victory nor a Ukrainian collapse would lead to lasting peace, but would further undermine stability across Europe.
On the military front, Ukraine announced its recent territorial assessments, conceding that it has retained control of a significant portion of Russia's Kursk region captured during a previous offensive. According to Commander-in-Chief Gen Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine currently holds an estimated 500 square kilometers (190 square miles), a significant reduction from previous figures of 1,400 square kilometers.
As the conflict rages on, Ukraine has reported a high volume of drone attacks, with approximately 140 drones launched by Russia in one night. Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept 85 drones, but the onslaught continues, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the situation in the region.
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