Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes as two killed at Moldova border

Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes overnight, with two people killed at a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova. The Starokozache crossing, approximately 500km south of Kyiv, was closed following an attack by Russian drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the incident as an act of aggression that must be stopped. The attack killed two people and injured three others, including a Moldovan driver. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack in the southern Russian city of Novorossiysk killed four people, including a child, and injured 29 others. The region has seen a significant increase in long-range strikes, with Moldova confirming 17 drone strikes in August alone. Russian defence ministry officials reported shooting down 596 Ukrainian drones overnight. The incident has raised concerns about the escalating conflict and the need for international support. President Zelensky reiterated his call for global cooperation to address the crisis. Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized that Russia is responsible for the ongoing war. The attack on the Starokozache crossing has raised questions about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation. The incident is part of a larger trend of increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides engaging in long-range strikes. The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to exchange fire.