Two NATO Nations Probe Russian Drone Incursions

Romania and Latvia are investigating incidents of Russian drones entering their airspace. Ukraine's air defense destroyed several attack drones launched by Russia. Both countries are collaborating with allies to address the increasing drone threats affecting the NATO Eastern flank.

Romania and Latvia, both steadfast supporters of Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia, are probing incidents of Russian drones breaching their airspace, officials from both nations confirmed on Sunday.

Ukraine's air defense units thwarted 15 of 23 attack drones and a guided missile fired by Russia overnight, according to Ukraine's air force. Romania, a NATO member sharing a 400-mile border with Ukraine, has watched Russian drone fragments stray into its territory several times over the past year.

Further north, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics reported via social media platform X that a Russian military drone crashed in Latvia's east, a region once part of the Soviet Union. Rinkevics emphasized the growing number of such incidents along NATO's Eastern flank, urging collective action. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed these concerns, calling for robust support from allies against Russia's aggressive moves.

Romania's defense ministry revealed its radar tracked a drone entering and exiting national airspace towards Ukraine. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to respond, and southeastern residents were urged to take cover. Though no significant damage was reported, Romanian lawmakers are yet to authorize legislation permitting the downing of drones during peacetime. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu confirmed the persistence of border attacks, stating, 'That is it, we have a war on the border.'

(With inputs from agencies.)