Independence Day diplomacy: Moldova marked 35 years of independence in Chisinau with a military parade and a concert, while President Maia Sandu, Romanian leader Nicușor Dan, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a trilateral push on security, energy, and EU integration. Sandu awarded Zelensky Moldova’s highest honor, the Order of the Republic, citing Ukraine’s role in protecting peace and freedom in Europe. Drone threat and air defense: Sandu said Russian drones entered Moldova’s airspace on the eve of the holiday, calling it intimidation, and vowed continued investment in air defense. Dan said Romania and Moldova must cooperate to prevent drone attacks. Regional security ties: Zelensky called Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania “natural allies,” urging closer coordination on logistics and security capabilities. EU path support: Dan said Romania backs rapid opening of remaining EU negotiation clusters for Moldova and Ukraine, based on merit-based accession. Ukraine war backdrop: Russia launched a major overnight strike on Ukraine, hitting ports, grain storage, energy, industry, and other infrastructure, with Ukraine reporting interceptions of missiles and drones.