Romania reported that a drone entered its territory during overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine, prompting its air force to scramble fighters. The episode has once again raised concerns about the war spilling into NATO borders, with Poland also responding to potential aerial threats near its frontier.
Drone Incursion in Romanian Territory
The Romanian Defence Ministry announced on Saturday that a drone briefly crossed about 10 kilometers into its southeastern airspace near the Danube Delta. Radar tracked the aircraft until signals were lost close to the village of Chilia Veche. Authorities emphasized that it flew at a very low altitude and did not pass over populated areas.
In response, two F-16s from Romania’s air force and two Eurofighters deployed as part of NATO’s air policing mission were sent to monitor the situation. Residents of Tulcea County, near the border with Ukraine, received alerts to take cover while the aircraft was in Romanian airspace.
Defence officials later confirmed that the drone returned toward Ukraine, with no casualties or damage reported.
Statements From Leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the device remained in NATO territory for almost 50 minutes before leaving. He described the incursion as another step in Russia’s attempt to widen the war beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Romania’s Defence Minister noted that fighter jets had been “close” to neutralizing the drone but ultimately did not, explaining that the flight path indicated it was moving back toward Ukraine.
Poland Reacts to Drone Threats
Poland, which has faced repeated airspace violations linked to Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, raised its alert level on Friday night. Military authorities scrambled aircraft, shut down Lublin airport for several hours, and activated air defense units after detecting possible drone activity approaching from the east.
While Polish officials did not confirm any drones entered their territory in this latest episode, they stressed that the measures were precautionary and necessary given the intensity of Russian attacks across the border.
Escalating Concerns for NATO States
This is the latest in a string of incidents testing NATO’s eastern flank. Both Romania and Poland have reported drone fragments falling on their territory in past months, incidents that have fueled demands for stronger regional defenses.
NATO has been briefed on the Romanian breach, though officials there reiterated that there was no immediate danger to civilians. Still, the episode underscores how closely the alliance’s members remain tied to developments in Ukraine’s war and the potential risks of miscalculation as hostilities continue.
