Russian Drone Hits Ukraine-Moldova Border Checkpoint in Odesa Oblast

A Russian drone attacked the Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne border checkpoint on the Ukraine-Moldova border in Odesa Oblast on the night of October 5, injuring a border guard and halting operations at the crossing. The attack is part of an intensified Russian campaign against Ukrainian border infrastructure. In September, the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint on the Polish border was struck three times, damaging a train and terminal buildings, while checkpoints in the south, including Starokozache-Tudora and Orlivka-Isaccea, also faced repeated drone and missile strikes. Ukrainian authorities plan to equip all border checkpoints with protective structures and shelters by the end of 2026. The strikes are part of broader Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including recent hits on Izium, a pharmacy warehouse in Hostomel, and a business center in Dnipro.