Moldova has sent a protest note to Ukraine after two Ukrainian border guards crossed the border illegally while pursuing a man swimming across the Dniester River.

Axar.az reports, citing Moldovan media, that Lilian Carp, chairman of Moldova’s parliamentary committee on national security, defence and public order, said the guards’ actions constituted a serious violation and could not be justified under any circumstances.

Carp also said the 49-year-old Ukrainian man, who requested asylum in Moldova, would most likely be granted protection under international law.

The incident occurred on October 15 near the village of Holosnita in Soroca district. According to local residents, the Ukrainian guards struck the man on the head with a stick and attempted to drown him. One of the guards denied the drowning allegation.

The man, a Kyiv native, was taken to Soroca District Hospital with a concussion. Moldovan authorities launched a criminal investigation into the illegal crossing of the state border.

Moldova’s Border Police confirmed that the man had applied for asylum. The two Ukrainian guards were subsequently handed over to Ukrainian authorities under a bilateral agreement, while their weapons and boat were confiscated as part of the investigation.