A drone believed to be linked to Russian strikes briefly crossed into Romanian territory overnight, prompting NATO aircraft to take off. Poland, facing similar concerns along its border, also mobilized jets and reinforced air defenses.
Airspace Violation in Romania
Romania’s Defence Ministry reported that radar tracked a drone penetrating about 10 kilometers inside its southeastern border before contact was lost near Chilia Veche, a village in the Danube Delta. The unmanned craft flew at a very low level and avoided built-up areas, according to officials.
Two Romanian F-16s and allied Eurofighters operating in the region were sent to monitor the situation. Authorities issued precautionary warnings to residents in Tulcea County, urging them to seek protection until the all-clear was given.
The drone eventually turned back toward Ukraine, leaving no casualties or material damage inside Romania.
Differing Assessments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the drone remained inside NATO-controlled skies for nearly 50 minutes, calling it proof of Russia’s expanding aggression.
Romania’s Defence Minister said the jets were ready to act but refrained once it was clear the object was leaving national territory.
Polish Forces on Alert
Poland, which has previously experienced drones crossing from Ukraine’s war zone, went into emergency mode late Friday. The military dispatched fighters, shut down operations at Lublin airport, and placed its missile defense network on standby after detecting possible aerial threats.
Although Polish authorities later confirmed that no drone had entered their skies, officials insisted the temporary measures were necessary given the scale of Russian attacks close to their border.
Tensions Along NATO’s Eastern Border
Both Romania and Poland have endured multiple drone-related incidents since Moscow intensified its bombardments of Ukrainian targets near the frontier. Fragments from earlier strikes have landed inside NATO member states, heightening concerns about escalation.
NATO headquarters confirmed it had been briefed on the latest Romanian incident and stressed that civilians were never at risk. The development nonetheless underscores the fragility of the alliance’s eastern perimeter as the conflict in Ukraine grinds on.
