Moldova-Ukraine Nistru River border incidents

On October 15, two Ukrainian border guards were detained by Moldovan authorities near the village of Holoșnița after their motorboat crossed the Nistru River into Moldovan territory. Ukrainian officials stated the crossing occurred because engine failure and shallow water allowed the current to push the vessel toward the Moldovan shore while the guards were attempting to apprehend Alexei Koval, a 49-year-old man from Kyiv attempting to swim across the river. Witnesses reported the man was struck with oars, resulting in a concussion. The man has since requested asylum in Moldova.

A second, similar incident occurred on October 17 near Vasilcău, where two additional Ukrainian border guards were detained by Moldovan authorities during a pursuit of another Ukrainian citizen. This individual also requested asylum in Moldova. In both instances, Moldovan prosecutors initiated criminal proceedings for illegal border crossing under Article 362 of the Moldovan Criminal Code.

The situation has triggered diplomatic and domestic tension. While Lilian Carp, president of the parliamentary commission for national security, defense, and public order, previously characterized the initial event as a “very serious violation,” the Moldovan Foreign Ministry has since clarified that an informative note, rather than a formal protest note, was issued to Ukraine. The matter is being handled through established bilateral channels. While the guards from the October 15 incident were returned to Ukraine, the guards detained during the October 17 incident near Vasilcău have not yet been handed over. Ukrainian authorities have noted that an internal investigation is underway, and political opposition groups in Moldova have utilized these incidents to criticize the administration of President Maia Sandu.