Romania has denounced Russia after a military drone entered its airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine, warning that Moscow’s actions are a new threat to regional stability.
Romania’s defense ministry stated that a Geran drone crossed into national airspace late Saturday, orbiting for about 50 minutes before returning to Ukraine. The aircraft entered northeast of Chilia Veche, moved southwest of Izmail and exited near Pardina. Officials said the drone did not pass over populated areas and posed no direct danger to civilians.
Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to monitor the situation, supported by two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The ministry condemned Russia’s ‘irresponsible actions,’ saying they violated international law and represented ‘a new challenge to security in the Black Sea area.’
Foreign Minister Oana Toiu promised to raise the matter at the UN General Assembly, calling for stronger international enforcement of sanctions against Moscow.
The incident drew international reactions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called it ‘an unacceptable breach of an EU member state’s sovereignty’ and accused Russia of ‘reckless escalation.’ Poland, which last week reported nearly 20 Russian drones entering its airspace, also condemned the latest violation.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Romania, a NATO member, has repeatedly reported drone fragments falling on its territory, particularly as Moscow intensified strikes on Ukrainian Danube ports near the border. In February, the Romanian parliament passed legislation allowing authorities to shoot down drones violating national airspace.
