Russian Drone Incursion Raises Tensions with Romania

A Russian drone violated Romania's airspace during nighttime attacks on Ukraine, escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO members. Romania's Defence Ministry and NATO condemned the incident, considering it a serious breach of international norms. Investigations are underway as Romania monitors its airspace and issues alerts to local residents.

A Russian drone breached Romanian airspace during nocturnal strikes on Ukraine, reported Romania's Ministry of National Defence on Sunday. The NATO member urged Moscow to cease escalating tensions.

Romania deployed F-16 jets to enforce its airspace defenses, keeping NATO allies in the loop. Text alerts warned residents in two eastern regions of a possible 'impact zone' near Periprava. Investigations are ongoing, noted the ministry. Confirming drone fragments on multiple occasions since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February 2022, Romania last identified fragments as recently as July.

The Romanian Defence Ministry denounced Russia's attacks on Ukraine, labeling them 'unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law.' NATO's outgoing deputy secretary-general, Mircea Geoana, echoed this, condemning the violation of Romanian airspace. On X, he termed the actions 'irresponsible and potentially dangerous.'

(With inputs from agencies.)