Ozerov on the Drone in Copanca: “If the Drone Crashed, Where’s the Crater?”

Oleg Ozerov, Russia’s ambassador-designate to Moldova, received a note of protest following the crash of a drone carrying explosives in Copanca. The diplomat stated that he had asked the Chisinau authorities for evidence that the drone in question was indeed Russian. “We cannot confirm anything yet; we have merely requested further information, as the matter requires investigation,” said Ozerov, as quoted by realitatea.md. In his view, it remains unclear why no crater was formed after the drone crashed, and why local residents reportedly heard nothing during the incident. “For example, if a drone crashes, a crater is formed. In this case, there is no crater. There is a drone, but no crater. How should this be interpreted? If there were explosives on board, why didn’t they detonate on impact with the ground? I’m not making any claims; I’m simply saying that there are questions. In the photos I’ve seen, this drone has a loud engine, but the villagers didn’t hear it arrive. We have the same questions as you do,” the ambassador emphasized. At the same time, Ozerov stated that the wreckage of the drone had not been presented, and commented ironically on the situation, noting that he could not see it on the steps, as had been the case on other occasions when he had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry. It should be recalled that on the night of 13 July, a drone crashed on the outskirts of the village of Copanca in the Causeni district. A small fire broke out after it hit the ground. The Ministry of Defense established that it was a Russian Shahed-136 drone. It was carrying 40 kg of explosives. On the evening of 14 July, the drone was destroyed in a controlled manner.