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Yet another series of Russian drone incursions into Moldova's airspace was recorded during the latest overnight attack against Ukraine, Moldova's Defense Ministry reported on Oct. 16.
Between 11:02 p.m. on Oct. 15 and 3:46 a.m. local time on Oct. 16, Moldova's Defense Ministry said three Russian drones crossed into the country's territory before returning to Ukraine's airspace.
A fourth drone entered at 5:59 a.m. and reentered again at 6:09 a.m. before turning back to Ukraine.
The incidents underscore the growing security risks posed to Moldova and the region by Russia's war against neighboring Ukraine.
Russian aerial incursions into Moldovan territory during attacks against Ukraine are becoming alarmingly routine, with five Russian drones and missiles exploding on Moldova's territory on Oct. 3 alone.
Chisinau has repeatedly raised the alarm about these airspace violations, with Moldovan President Maia Sandu declaring that Russia's war against Ukraine is "dangerously reaching Moldova."
Moldova announced plans on Oct. 7 to build shelters at border crossings to protect border guards and people nearby in response to growing incursions.
The announcement came after the Moldovan Border Police reported on Oct. 5 that a projectile fired during a Russian attack against Ukraine ricocheted and struck a passenger bus and a border control booth at the Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne crossing, lightly injuring a border guard.
Russia also struck border crossings between Ukraine and nearby Romania in early September.