Russian-origin Geran-2 drone crashes near Copanca; Moldova hands Russia a protest note

At about 01:03 on 13 July 2026 a drone came down on the outskirts of Copanca (Căușeni district) and exploded on impact; burning fuel destroyed its wings and rear section, but its 40 kg shrapnel warhead did not detonate and was destroyed by army engineers. Moldova's Ministry of Defence identified it as a Gheran-2 (Shahed 136) of Russian origin that had entered during Russian air attacks on Ukraine's Odesa region. On 14 July the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russia's ambassador-designate Oleg Ozerov and handed him a protest note. No casualties were reported; Radio Moldova reported that the drone fell about 50 metres from a house.

Established by. Ministry of Defence, 13 Jul 2026 (army.md, English release): a Gheran-2 (Shahed 136) drone 'of Russian origin', 248.2 kg with a 40 kg explosive charge, that flew in during 'the air attacks of the Russian Federation on the Odessa region'. MFA, 13 Jul (via Antena 3 / Newsweek.ro): 'Acest nou incident constituie o încălcare gravă și inacceptabilă a spațiului aerian al Republicii Moldova.' MFA protest note to Ozerov, 14 Jul (Moldpres English): the incident is a 'serious violation of national sovereignty' with 'risks created for the security of citizens'; Moldova calls on Russia to 'avoid any actions that could endanger the security of the Republic of Moldova'.

Latest. Ozerov said Russia could 'not confirm anything yet' and asked for the flight path and photographic evidence (TASS/RBC via Logos Press, 14 Jul 2026). Speaker Igor Grosu said 'Only a coincidence prevented the explosion' and called for more investment in air defence (Radio Moldova, 16 Jul).

Link to the war against Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence said the drone entered Moldova during Russian air attacks on Ukraine's Odesa region.