Palanca border crossing into Moldova shut after projectile strike

A projectile fired during a Russian attack on western Ukraine struck a border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova on Monday morning, injuring a Moldovan border guard. Moldova's Border Police said the checkpoint has been closed while the incident is investigated.

Key facts

• The incident happened at about 09:38 on Monday, 5 October 2026
• The crossing links Mayaky-Udobne in Ukraine with Palanca on the Moldovan side
• One Moldovan border guard sustained minor injuries
• The Palanca checkpoint is closed pending an investigation
• The public has been advised to avoid the area

What happened at the crossing?

Moldova's Border Police reported that a shell fell near the Palanca checkpoint, hit the ground and then bounced into a shuttle bus parked near the barrier. One Moldovan border guard was hurt, with the injuries described as minor.

The crossing concerned is the one between Mayaky-Udobne on the Ukrainian side and Palanca on the Moldovan side. The projectile was fired during a Russian attack on western Ukraine, according to the Border Police account.

Is the border crossing open?

No. Moldova's Border Police said the checkpoint has been closed pending an investigation. The statement also advised members of the public to stay away from the area. No date for reopening the crossing has been announced.

What this means for travellers

Anyone planning to cross between Ukraine and Moldova at Palanca cannot use that checkpoint at present, and the Border Police have asked people to avoid the surrounding area. Travellers should check whether the crossing has reopened before setting out, and the source gives no alternative crossing or diversion.

Why is this happening?

The strike came two days after five Russian air attack weapons, including Banderol missiles and drones, detonated inside Moldova, President Maia Sandu said. Writing on X on Saturday, Sandu said "Moscow is putting lives at risk across Europe and must be stopped".

Moldova's prime minister, Vasile Tofan, said at a joint press conference in Brussels with EU diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas that the security environment around Moldova had become more difficult, and that Russian drones and missiles posed a serious risk to the country's population and infrastructure. Kallas said Russia was trying to create fear and paralyse decision-making, which she called completely unacceptable.

An investigation into the Palanca incident is under way. No reopening date for the checkpoint has been given.