Additional Coverage:
- NATO jets scrambled to intercept Russian drone over Romania (abcnews.go.com)
NATO Allies Respond to Russian Drone and Missile Attacks Near Border
NATO allies Poland and Romania scrambled fighter jets Saturday in response to Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine. This latest incident underscores the increasing tension along NATO’s eastern flank and the alliance’s efforts to bolster its defenses against potential airspace violations.
While the Polish military reported no airspace violations after deploying jets along its border with Ukraine, Prime Minister Donad Tusk confirmed that defenses were on high alert due to the threat posed by Russian drones operating near the border.
Romania, however, confirmed a Russian drone crossed into its airspace. Two Romanian F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to monitor the situation near the Danube River, which forms the border between Romania and Ukraine.
The Romanian Defense Ministry stated the drone disappeared from radar southwest of Chilia Veche and did not pose an immediate threat to populated areas. Preliminary reports suggest the drone returned to Ukrainian airspace.
This marks the eleventh time Romanian airspace has been violated by Russian drones since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. The Romanian Defense Ministry revealed there have been roughly 50 Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian territory near the Romanian border, with debris falling on Romanian soil in about 30 instances.
Following the incident, Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu condemned Russia’s actions, emphasizing Romania’s commitment to defend its airspace alongside NATO allies. While Romania has yet to shoot down a Russian drone, it has adopted new protocols, including both non-kinetic and kinetic measures, to address such threats.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted the drone’s incursion into Romanian airspace was a deliberate act by Russia, representing a calculated escalation of the conflict.
The Ukrainian air force reported Russia launched 58 drones and one missile into Ukraine overnight into Sunday. They claim to have neutralized 52 of the drones.
Russia’s Defense Ministry, conversely, claimed to have downed at least 103 Ukrainian drones during the same period. Poland has also taken steps to enhance its security posture, authorizing the presence of additional NATO forces within its territory as part of “Operation Eastern Sentry.”
Details of this deployment remain classified.
Read More About This Story:
- NATO jets scrambled to intercept Russian drone over Romania (abcnews.go.com)