Russian Drone Strikes Hit Ukraine Moldova Border Checkpoints

Russian kamikaze drones struck the Tabaky international checkpoint on the border between Ukraine and Moldova during the night of August 21. The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service reported that the attack damaged buildings and infrastructure, leading to the complete suspension of passenger and freight traffic at the crossing. No casualties were reported, and emergency services extinguished fires caused by the strikes. This event followed a similar attack on a border checkpoint in the Odesa region the previous day.

Moldovan authorities confirmed that Russian drones violated their airspace during these operations. President Maia Sandu stated on X that the international community must exert greater pressure on Russia to end such actions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that these are not isolated incidents and suggested that Moscow is testing the resolve of NATO and its partners.

Regional tensions have escalated with further incidents involving Romania. A sea drone carrying explosives was discovered near the Neptun Deep drilling platform in Romania's exclusive economic zone, where it was subsequently destroyed by two Romanian F 16 fighter jets. Additionally, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace near Galati and crashed in an uninhabited area of Tulcea county, prompting Spanish F 18 jets stationed in Romania to scramble. Nicusor Dan described these events as irresponsible Russian provocations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized the situation as hybrid warfare intended to divide the European Union, noting that the EU is mobilizing funds for defense and drone protection programs on its eastern flank.