Russian drone strikes kill two at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing

Odesa, Ukraine. Russian drone strikes hit the Starokozache border crossing near Moldova in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, killing two civilians and wounding three, Ukrainian and Moldovan officials said on Wednesday.

One person was killed and 14 were wounded in renewed Russian attacks on Kyiv, where jet-powered drones caused fires and disrupted businesses and schools.

Border crossing targeted

Odesa regional Governor Oleh Kiper said the attack struck the Starokozache checkpoint in southwest Ukraine, around one kilometre from Moldovan territory.

The crossing is used daily by thousands of people and hundreds of vehicles. Moldovan officials said passenger and vehicle traffic was suspended following the strike.

Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guards, said Russia was most likely seeking to disrupt logistics routes.

Trade routes under pressure

Ukrainian border guards said Russia had struck five border crossings in recent weeks, including four on the border with Moldova and one on the border with Romania, a NATO member.

Ukraine has become increasingly reliant on land routes for exports after Russian attacks disrupted maritime exports through its Black Sea ports. Ukraine has in turn used drones to strike Russian refineries, oil terminals and commercial warehouses, including targets deep inside Russia.

Moldova response

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said measures would be taken to protect the country’s airspace and accused Moldova’s pro-Russian opposition of endangering national security by minimising the threat from Moscow.

“Denying the danger when Russian drones and missiles are spreading death and putting Moldova at risk, as well as criticising your country’s efforts to strengthen its defences, means choosing betrayal over the safety of your own people,” Sandu said in a statement.