NATO Members Accuse Russia of Airspace Violations Amid Ukraine Conflict

Two NATO countries, Romania and Latvia, reported Russian drone intrusions into their airspace amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Romanian authorities detected drones targeting civilian areas, while a drone crash in Latvia was monitored with no casualties. NATO officials condemned the actions, calling them dangerous and irresponsible.

Two NATO members claimed on Sunday that Russian drones breached their airspace, with one reportedly entering Romania during the night attacks on neighboring Ukraine and another crashing in Latvia. Romania's Ministry of National Defence confirmed a drone encroachment involving Moscow's strikes on civilian and port infrastructure in Ukraine.

In response, Bucharest deployed F-16 warplanes to safeguard its airspace and issued alerts to residents in two eastern regions. Latvia's Defence Minister Andris Spruds noted a drone had crash-landed near Rezekne from Belarus. Although unusual, Romania has experienced multiple drone incursions since Russia's Ukraine invasion in 2022.

NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana condemned the violations, emphasizing the potential dangers. Latvia's military ruled out an intentional attack by Russia or Belarus. Ukrainian and NATO officials underscore these incidents highlight the broader risks of Russia's aggression, advocating for greater support to cease the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)