Russian Banderol Missile Violates Moldovan Airspace
The Ukrainian military reported that a Russian "Banderol" low-cost cruise missile, launched from a Kronshtadt Orion strike drone, entered Moldovan airspace on August 17. An explosion was subsequently reported near a Moldovan border village. The incident marks a significant escalation and a breach of Moldovan sovereignty, occurring as Russia intensifies its use of long-range tactical drones and cheap cruise missiles to bypass Ukrainian air defenses. No immediate casualties were reported within Moldova.
Date: August 17, 2026
Location: Border Area, Moldova
Conflict: Russia-Ukraine War
Category: border crossing
Severity: HIGH
Source: Kyiv Independent