19 August 2026, 09:51
A drone-launched missile set a cornfield in Moldova ablaze during an attack on the Odesa region
Ця стаття також доступна українською
PHOTO: Collage by Intent/AI
During an attack on the southern part of the Odesa region, a Russian missile drone strayed into Moldovan territory and crashed into a cornfield, causing an explosion and a fire.
According to Moldovan law enforcement officials, the incident occurred on the outskirts of the village of Talmaz in the Ștefan Vodă District—the site of the impact and explosion was discovered in an agricultural field.
The village of Talmaza is located in southeastern Moldova, near the border with the Odesa region.
Police reported that a crater two meters in diameter and about 50 centimeters deep formed at the site of the explosion. After the impact, the shock wave spread over an area of approximately 45 by 20 meters.
Debris from the wings, including components of the servo control system, as well as a turbojet engine, were found at the impact site.
In addition, numerous fragments of the aircraft’s fiberglass fuselage were found, as well as shattered electronic units that are likely components of the control system.
Police added that the components found may belong to a “drone-missile” type of aircraft. Law enforcement officials will conduct an examination and investigation to determine exactly who owns this drone.
As reported by Intent, the Ukrainian Air Force had previously stated that a Russian “Banderol” drone-missile had crossed the country’s border with Moldova. Prior to that, it had flown over the Odesa region.
The “Banderol” is a Russian jet-powered loitering munition that is a hybrid of a strike drone and a small cruise missile.
Thanks to its turbojet engine, it can reach speeds of over 600 km/h and strike targets at a range of up to 500 km. The main features of the weapon are its large warhead, weighing over 114 kg, and its capability to be launched from an airborne platform.
