Russian Drone Strike Kills Two at Starokozache-Tudora Border Crossing, Fourth Hit on a Ukraine-Moldova Crossing

Russian strike drones hit the Starokozache international road crossing on the Ukraine-Moldova border in Odesa Oblast overnight into September 9, killing two civilians and injuring three; sixteen people were evacuated from the area as the strike sparked fires and the crossing was temporarily closed. Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper reported the toll via Telegram. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service said it was the fourth strike on a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing this crisis, after Reni (Aug 20), Tabachi-Mirne (Aug 21) and Vynohradivka (Aug 25). Russia's Defence Ministry claimed the checkpoint had been used to move military cargo into Ukraine. Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the strike, saying the war had reached the country's border and calling for more Western air-defense support for Ukraine.