Moldova briefly shuts airspace after report of balloon-like object

Exterior view of Chisinau International Airport, in Chisinau, Moldova, February 14, 2023. Inquam Photos/Andrei Mardari via REUTERS

CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldova briefly closed its air space on Tuesday to investigate reports of a balloon-like object in the sky, a day after the small east European country accused Russia of plotting to bring down its government.

Russia denied the accusation by President Maia Sandu, who has repeatedly expressed concern about Russia's intentions towards the former Soviet republic since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.