EU to help boost Moldovan air defenses against Russian drones
PHOTO CAPTION: A Russian drone is seen in the Cahul district of Moldova on November 10, 2024, near the village of Fîrlădeni. (Courtesy photo by General Inspectorate of the Moldovan Police via United 24.)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The EU said on Thursday it would provide 20 million euros ($22.74 million) worth of aid to help modernise air defences in Moldova, a country which has complained of drone incursions from Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
The funding "will finance short-range air defence launchers," the Council of the EU said.
Moldovan authorities have complained about Russia drones violating their airspace and raining down debris.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the assistance would "help prevent Russian missiles and drones from falling on Moldovan territory," in a press conference during a visit to Moldova.
"We are a peaceful country, we don't want war, but we must protect the safety of our citizens," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said at the same event.
The aid is part of a 60 million euro EU package for the country.
($1 = 0.8797 euros)
(Reporting by Lili Bayer, Alexander Tanas and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
