Debris from a Russian missile targeted at Ukraine fell on the Moldovan village of Naslavcea after it was intercepted by the Ukrainian air defense.
The incident was reported on October 31, 2022, by Moldova’s Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu on Twitter.
The target of the missile strikes carried by Russia at that time was the Ukrainian dam Dnestrovsk1 on the Nistru river that runs through Ukraine and Moldova.
“Attacks on water infrastructure and ensuing stress on the river could put the entire region in danger of floods,” Popescu said. “The appalling strikes on critical infrastructure reverberate beyond Ukraine’s borders and pose a direct threat to Moldova’s energy – and human – security.”
The intercepted missile, whose type was not specified, exploded upon impact. Local residents reported damage to their roofs and windows, but no injuries. Engineers of both the Moldovan army and the Ukrainian military were sent to secure the scene.
#Moldova authorities confirm that a #Russia missile was shot down by #Ukraine and fell near most northern point of MD, Naslavcea. Explosion upon impact broke windows, no casualties.
— Cristian Vlas (@cristivlas) October 31, 2022
Video: https://t.co/AVcsuVR2IC pic.twitter.com/OlubXxipRW
It is not the first time that Russian missiles find their way onto Moldovan territory. On October 10, 2022, Moldova’s Ministry of Defense said three cruise missiles fired by Russian armed forces at Ukrainian territory had crossed Moldovan airspace. The missiles were launched at Ukraine from Russian ships in the Black Sea.
Since mid-October 2022, Russia intensified its bombing campaigns targeting civilian infrastructure, using a combination of cruise missiles, such as the Kalibr type, and loitering munition, such as the Iranian-made Shahed-136 suicide drones.