Moldova Reports Drone Fragments After Overnight Russian Attack on Ukraine

The Moldovan Defense Ministry said on Monday, June 8, that an unmanned aerial vehicle crossed into the country’s territory overnight and later exploded near the village of Lopatna, as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack against Ukraine.

According to the ministry, National Army surveillance systems and cross-border monitoring mechanisms recorded the drone crossing Moldova’s state border at 00:20 local time from the direction of the Mihailovca-Lopatna area.

Following an inspection by Interior Ministry specialists, authorities discovered fragments of an unmanned aerial vehicle in an agricultural field near Lopatna. Investigators also found evidence indicating that an explosion had occurred before the debris was located.

The defense ministry said experts are examining the fragments to determine the drone’s origin and establish the circumstances of the incident.

“We note that this night a massive Russian attack with drones and missiles took place on Ukraine,” the the Moldovan Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

No casualties or property damage were immediately reported.

Moldovan authorities said responsible institutions continue to document the incident and monitor the situation.

Repeated airspace violations during Russian attacks

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has repeatedly reported drones and missile fragments entering or falling on its territory during Russian attacks on neighboring Ukraine.

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Moldovan officials have regularly condemned such incidents as violations of the country’s sovereignty and security, particularly in areas near the Ukrainian border.

Although the origin of the drone found near Lopatna has not yet been officially determined, the incident occurred during the latest Russian aerial attack against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 155 drones overnight, including Shahed attack drones and decoy UAVs, from multiple locations in Russia and occupied Crimea.

According to preliminary data, Ukrainian air defenses shot down or suppressed 124 drones across northern, southern and eastern regions of the country. The military reported 20 drone strikes at 17 locations and falling debris at six additional sites.

Moldova, which is not a NATO member, has strengthened airspace monitoring and border security measures in response to repeated incursions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.