Russia has accused Moldova of plotting a military operation in Transnistria, a Russian-backed secessionist region, setting off concerns among some analysts that Moscow might be a “false flag” attack in Moldova.

A Russian missile entered Moldovan airspace during a mass attack on Ukraine on Dec. 25, Moldovan President Maia Sandu confirmed. On Christmas morning, Russia launched more than 70 missiles and over 100 drones, targeting Ukraine 's energy infrastructure. At least one person was killed, and six others were injured, local authorities said.

US President Joe Biden denounced the "outrageous" attack and said he had asked the US Defense Department to push forward with a new surge of military aid to Kyiv.

During a massive strike on Ukrainian energy facilities on December 25, a Russian missile crossed the airspace of Moldova. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Maia Sandu, condemning the Russian strikes and calling the incident a "violation of international law.

Earlier, a Russian cargo ship that Kyiv says was intended to collect weapons from military bases in Syria sunk on route in the Mediterranean Sea. Officials in Moscow said two crew members are missing after an engine room explosion sank the Ursa Major between Spain and Algeria.