Two individuals were killed and three injured in an overnight Russian drone attack on the Starokozache border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated. The crossing, located approximately 500 kilometers south of Kyiv, has been closed following the incident. Images from the site depicted scorched vehicles and debris scattered across the border post.
In a separate incident, a Ukrainian drone attack on the southern Russian city of Novorossiysk resulted in the deaths of four people, including a child, according to the regional governor.
These strikes come amid an increase in long-range attacks by both Russia and Ukraine in recent months, occurring despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated his calls for international support following the attack on the Starokozache crossing, emphasizing the need to halt aggression before it escalates further.
Odesa regional governor Oleg Kiper confirmed that the border link between Ukraine and Moldova was shut after the attack. A Moldovan driver was also injured, according to the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Moldova has experienced increasing involvement in the conflict. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan reported that 17 drones had struck Moldovan territory in August alone, surpassing the total for the previous year. He criticized those who downplay the threats or avoid identifying the aggressor, stating that "Russia started this war. Russia alone bears responsibility."