The security situation between Romania, NATO, and Russia has grown more volatile after Bucharest accused Moscow of violating its airspace. A Russian drone reportedly entered Romanian territory during strikes on Ukraine, prompting fighter jets to scramble and allies to condemn Moscow’s “reckless actions.”
Romania Scrambles Jets as Airspace Violated
Romania’s defense ministry said the drone crossed into national territory near Pardina in northern Dobruja on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Two F-16 fighter jets intercepted it and tracked the drone for almost 50 minutes before it turned back toward Ukraine.
Pilots had clearance to shoot the drone down but refrained after evaluating the risk of collateral damage. Romanian officials called Russia’s move “irresponsible,” stressing that it endangered civilians and challenged NATO’s collective security.
Romania’s foreign ministry later summoned Russia’s ambassador, Vladimir Lipaev, who dismissed the claims as “provocations by Kyiv,” according to Russian state media.
NATO Allies Respond to Russian Drone
The drone incident came just days after Poland downed Russian drones in its airspace, intensifying security concerns across NATO’s eastern flank. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the breach as “an unacceptable violation” of Romanian sovereignty and said the EU stands firmly with Romania.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the drone penetrated about 10 kilometers into Romania, operating in NATO-controlled skies for nearly an hour. He called on NATO states to impose tougher sanctions on Russia and step up collective defense measures.
Rising Eastern Flank Tensions
The Romanian drone breach, coupled with recent airspace violations in Poland, underscores the mounting strain between Romania, NATO, and Russia. For Romania, the incursion highlights its strategic vulnerability along the Black Sea, while NATO officials warn that repeated Russian provocations threaten the stability of the entire alliance.
