Romania Detects Russian Drone in Airspace, Escalating Regional Tensions

Tue Oct 21 2025 18:34:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Romania identifies a Russian drone breach as the second NATO country to report such an incident, raising concerns amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Romanian fighter jets have tracked a Russian drone that entered its airspace near the Ukrainian border. The drone was detected during Ukrainian operations, with Romanian defense officials noting it did not pose an immediate threat. This incident follows Poland’s recent engagement with Russian drones, highlighting escalating tensions in Eastern Europe as NATO countries bolster their air defense.

Romania reports a breach of its airspace by a Russian drone, marking the second such incident within NATO countries. Romanian defense ministry officials confirmed that fighter jets were able to track the drone during their surveillance operations related to ongoing Russian military actions in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the incursion, suggesting that it signifies an 'obvious expansion of the war by Russia.' Meanwhile, Moscow has yet to comment on the situation.

This incident follows an earlier report from Poland, which claimed it shot down three Russian drones after they entered its airspace. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that aviation operations have been heightened in response to potential threats.

In Romania's declaration, the drone was detected approximately 20 kilometers south-west of Chilia Veche, before disappearing from radar. Fortunately, the drone did not fly over populated areas nor present an immediate risk according to defense officials.

Against the backdrop of increasingly aggressive military maneuvers from Russia, neighboring countries are taking precautions. The Czech Republic, for instance, has deployed a special operations helicopter unit to aid Poland, further demonstrating NATO's unified response to potential threats from the east.

President Zelensky emphasized that the Russian military's maneuvers are not coincidental, advocating for tightened sanctions against Moscow. Concurrently, U.S. political figures have expressed readiness to impose further restrictions based on NATO countries' actions concerning Russian oil purchases.

The regional atmosphere remains tense as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, with recent updates indicating increased military actions after diplomatic meetings between high-level officials.