A Russian drone intruded into Romanian airspace on Saturday evening during a Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine, prompting Romania to scramble fighter jets and drawing strong condemnation from the European Union and NATO allies. The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions and raises concerns about the security of NATO’s eastern flank.
Key Takeaways
- A Russian drone entered Romanian airspace for approximately 50 minutes on Saturday evening.
- Romanian F-16 fighter jets intercepted and tracked the drone but opted not to shoot it down due to assessed collateral risks.
- The incursion has led to Romania summoning the Russian ambassador and strong condemnation from EU and NATO officials.
- This follows a similar incident where Russian drones violated Polish airspace last week.
Drone Incursion Details
Romania’s Ministry of National Defense reported that a Russian drone entered its airspace at 6:05 p.m. local time on Saturday. The drone was detected and tracked by two F-16 fighter jets on an air policing mission near the border with Ukraine. While the pilots had authorization to engage, they ultimately decided against firing due to concerns about collateral damage. The drone exited Romanian airspace near the town of Pardina, heading back towards Ukraine.
International Reaction and Condemnation
The Romanian Ministry of National Defense issued a strong condemnation, labeling Russia’s actions as "irresponsible" and a "new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area." They emphasized that the incident demonstrates a "lack of respect for the norms of international law" and endangers both Romanian citizens and the collective security of NATO.
In response, Romania summoned the Russian ambassador, Vladimir Lipaev. However, Russian state media reported that Lipaev rejected the Romanian foreign minister’s statements, calling the incident "another provocation of the Kyiv regime."
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, denounced the violation as "yet another unacceptable breach of an EU member state’s sovereignty" and a "reckless escalation." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments, calling it a "blatant violation of EU sovereignty."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the incident on social media, stating that the drone penetrated approximately 10 kilometers into Romanian territory and operated within NATO airspace for about 50 minutes. He reiterated calls for increased sanctions against Russia and strengthened collective defense.
Heightened NATO Alert
This incursion into Romanian airspace follows a similar incident last week where Russian drones violated Polish airspace, leading to NATO and Polish jets scrambling to intercept them. In response to these repeated violations, NATO has pledged to bolster defenses on its eastern flank, launching operations like "Eastern Sentry" to increase military activity along the alliance’s eastern border.
Romania, a NATO and EU member, shares a significant border with Ukraine. While this is the first reported instance of a drone entering Romanian airspace during an attack on Ukraine, fragments of Russian drones have been found on Romanian territory previously. The Romanian government had previously approved legislation allowing the military to shoot down drones breaching its airspace during peacetime, though enforcement rules are still being finalized.
As of Sunday night, the Russian Ministry of Defense had not issued a public comment on the specific incident in Romanian airspace.
### Sources
- Romania condemns ‘irresponsible’ Moscow after Russian drone breaches its airspace, CNN.
- Romania summons Russia ambassador over drone in airspace: EU slams incursion, Axios.
- Drone breaches Romanian airspace during Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine, Reuters.
- Romania Says Russian Drone Entered Its Airspace, The New York Times.
- Romania Says Russian Drone Incursion Creates ‘New Challenge’ In Black Sea Region, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
