Moldova returns two Ukrainian border guards after Dniester incident

Moldova has handed two Ukrainian border guards back to Ukrainian authorities after they were detained following a crossing of the Dniester while pursuing a Ukrainian citizen. Teleradio-Moldova reported the transfer on 18 October, citing sources in Moldova’s Border Police.

The men were returned under a bilateral readmission agreement. The broadcaster’s sources said they carried service weapons. The weapons and their motorboat were seized as part of a criminal investigation.

The incident took place near Holosnita. In footage circulated on Saturday, local residents accused the guards of trying to drown a man swimming across the river and helped him out of the water. Moldova’s Border Police confirmed an illegal border crossing, and prosecutors opened a criminal case.

Ukrainian border service spokesman Andriy Demchenko had attributed the boat’s arrival at the Moldovan bank to the current, shallow water and an engine failure.

Moldovan border officials also rejected reports that the detained men worked for a Ukrainian military recruitment office. According to Teleradio-Moldova, they were members of a regular border patrol.

The broadcaster’s sources said prosecutors had decided against preventive measures. Participants in the incident are expected to be summoned for questioning.