Romania has confirmed that a drone briefly entered its airspace amid Russian attacks on Ukraine, triggering a NATO response. Poland, facing potential cross-border threats, also deployed fighter jets and strengthened its defenses along the eastern frontier.
Airspace Breach in Romania
The Defence Ministry in Bucharest said radar detected a drone roughly 10 kilometers inside Romanian territory before it disappeared near Chilia Veche in the Danube Delta. Officials noted that the craft remained at low altitude and avoided populated areas.
Two Romanian F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to monitor the situation, supported by NATO Eurofighters operating in the country. Authorities issued alerts to residents in Tulcea County, instructing them to remain indoors until the incident concluded.
Romanian officials later reported that the drone returned toward Ukraine without causing injuries or damage.
Differing Accounts on Duration
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the drone remained over NATO airspace for close to fifty minutes, describing the breach as a deliberate escalation by Moscow.
Romania’s Defence Minister stated that pilots were ready to engage but held fire once radar showed the drone was leaving Romanian skies.
Poland Heightens Security Measures
In parallel, Polish authorities responded to possible drone activity near the border late Friday. Fighter jets were scrambled, Lublin airport was temporarily shut down, and air defense units were placed on alert.
No incursions into Polish airspace were confirmed, but officials said the precautions were necessary given the frequency of drone threats in the region.
NATO’s Eastern Border Faces Pressure
Both Romania and Poland have previously reported fragments from Russian drones landing on their territory, raising concerns about potential spillover of the Ukraine conflict into NATO countries.
NATO confirmed it was informed about the Romanian incursion and emphasized that civilians were not at risk. Nonetheless, the incident underscores the persistent security challenges for alliance members along the eastern flank.
