In Moldova, a Russian Shahed drone crashed near an energy facility and a house

A Russian Shahed drone flew into Moldova and crashed near a residential building and an energy facility. 

Moldovan President Maia Sandu was the first to report on the incident, which occurred on October 23 in the village of Kishelnitsa in the Telenesti district.

She stated that a Russian attack drone violated the country’s airspace and crashed near residential buildings and an energy facility.

“We condemn this latest dangerous act,” Sandu said.

In response, Moldova declared a Russian embassy employee persona non grata.

PHOTO: Moldovan Police

Law enforcement officers arrived at the crash site. Police cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of local residents, while bomb disposal experts examined the drone.

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties. Law enforcement officers were working at the scene. Police cordoned off the perimeter to ensure the safety of residents, while bomb disposal experts examined the object.

On October 24, the Moldovan Ministry of Defense confirmed Sandu’s statement. The ministry reported that a joint task force of the National Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs had identified the crashed drone.

According to police, after examining the drone near the village of Kishteelnitsa, specialists from the technical and explosive ordnance disposal unit determined that it was a “Geran-4” equipped with a turbojet engine.

Approximately 5 meters from the drone, a thermobaric warhead with a total weight of 52.4 kg was found. It is also designed to create a fragmentation effect.

The warhead was safely recovered and removed from the scene. Subsequently, police experts, together with specialists from the National Army’s demining unit, carried out a controlled detonation of the warhead.

Ірина Глухова