Russias strikes near Moldova raise alarm over Putins plans for Europes eastern flank

As the war in neighboring Ukraine moves closer to its border, the former Soviet republic of Moldova, which just marked 35 years of independence, faces growing pressure from Russia. In exclusive comments to Fox News Digital, national security advisor to Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, Stanislav Secrieru, said Russia’s recent strikes against Ukrainian-Moldovan border infrastructure pose a major threat to Ukraine’s economy and access to European markets.Secrieru told Fox News Digital that, "In August, Russia began striking Ukraine’s border infrastructure along the Moldovan frontier.With Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea ports under sustained attack, Moldova has become a transit route for that grain towards Romania’s ports — and the Moldovan government cut rail transit tariffs by half to keep it moving." US WARNS RUSSIAN-LINKED ACTORS SEEKING TO 'FOMENT MANUFACTURED INSURRECTION' IN EUROPEAN COUNTRYMoldovan police recovered a Russian drone on November 25, 2025 as several drones flew over the airspace of the Republic of Moldova.
One of the drones crashed in Floresti district on Nov.25, 2025.
(Elena Covalenco / AFP via Getty Images)These routes, Secrieru said, are a lifeline for Ukraine’s exports and for its economy."Russia’s strikes are meant to sever them.
Russia has also stepped-up violations of Moldova’s airspace in August, to intimidate us into withdrawing our support.Moldova stays the course.
We will continue to provide civilian support to Ukraine and to keep the corridors that sustain its economy open," Secrieru told Fox News Digital.President Maia Sandu reported five Russian drones violated its airspace just hours before the country celebrated its independence, in what the president called an attempt at "intimidation.""We have repeatedly warned about the unacceptable risks posed by Russia’s war against Ukraine.Yet another Russian attack on Ukraine has once again resulted in violations of Moldova’s airspace," the foreign min...