Prime Minister of Moldova on the drone overflight: “Russia is testing NATO countries”

Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Vasile Tofan said in New York, during the UN General Assembly, that he does not consider a Russian military incursion into the country’s territory imminent, but warned that Moscow is testing NATO countries by flying drones over them.

According to the prime minister, many of the drones crossing Moldovan airspace are heading toward Romania, while similar incidents have been reported in Poland. Tofan said the incursions have intensified: more overflights were recorded in August than throughout 2025. He said the intimidation would continue, including after the incidents that occurred during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the Republic of Moldova.

Tofan argued that Russia does not respond to weakness but to strength, and called on the West to remain firm and support Ukraine. Moldova has no plans to join NATO, retaining its neutral status, while its strategic priority remains accession to the European Union, also seen as a security project.

The prime minister also praised American support for regional energy projects and described the Republic of Moldova as a “laboratory” of resistance to Russian propaganda and interference. He identified a free press and strengthened security services as essential elements in protecting democracy.