Romania has confirmed a breach of its airspace by a Russian drone, becoming the second NATO country after Poland to report such an incident. The Romanian defense ministry stated that the drone was detected 20 kilometers southwest of Chilia Veche while its F-16 jets were in the air monitoring the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure along the Danube.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the drone's incursion as a deliberate act, asserting that it reflects Russia's expansionist ambitions in the region. Meanwhile, in a recent statement, Romania highlighted that while the drone was detected, it did not pose an imminent threat as it did not fly over populated areas.
This drone incident follows a significant response from Poland, which reported shooting down at least three Russian drones that had entered its airspace. In reaction to escalating threats, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced heightened alert for aerial operations within its airspace and reported that ground-based air defense systems are now in the highest state of readiness.
The incident has prompted reactions from EU officials, with the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, denouncing the airspace violation as unacceptable and emphasizing the need to protect member states’ sovereignty.
In light of these developments, NATO allies, including the Czech Republic, are increasing their military presence in Eastern Europe. The Czech government recently deployed a special operations helicopter unit to Poland as a precautionary measure against potential aggression from Russia.
President Zelensky reiterated calls for Western nations to intensify sanctions against Russia, as military tensions in the region continue to mount following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has seen no sign of abating amid ongoing hostilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the drone's incursion as a deliberate act, asserting that it reflects Russia's expansionist ambitions in the region. Meanwhile, in a recent statement, Romania highlighted that while the drone was detected, it did not pose an imminent threat as it did not fly over populated areas.
This drone incident follows a significant response from Poland, which reported shooting down at least three Russian drones that had entered its airspace. In reaction to escalating threats, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced heightened alert for aerial operations within its airspace and reported that ground-based air defense systems are now in the highest state of readiness.
The incident has prompted reactions from EU officials, with the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, denouncing the airspace violation as unacceptable and emphasizing the need to protect member states’ sovereignty.
In light of these developments, NATO allies, including the Czech Republic, are increasing their military presence in Eastern Europe. The Czech government recently deployed a special operations helicopter unit to Poland as a precautionary measure against potential aggression from Russia.
President Zelensky reiterated calls for Western nations to intensify sanctions against Russia, as military tensions in the region continue to mount following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has seen no sign of abating amid ongoing hostilities.
