Since the beginning of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, drones have repeatedly violated the airspace of neighboring Romania as Moscow attacked ports on the Ukrainian bank of the Danube. Although drone fragments regularly fell on Romania, property was damaged for the first time on Saturday.
Romania on Russia's actions. “We condemn”
“The Ministry of Defense strongly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that they constitute a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea region,” the Romanian ministry said in a statement, quoted by Reuters.
“Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation's lack of respect for the norms of international law and threaten not only the security of Romanian citizens, but also the collective security of NATO,” it added.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon fightersparticipating in the NATO mission to patrol Romanian airspace, were deployed to monitor the attack from the air. Residents of the neighboring Tulcea district were advised to flee to a safe place.
Romania is feeling the effects of the war on the border
In recent months drones violated the airspace of several countries on NATO's eastern flank. Romanian law allows shooting down drones in peacetime if life or property is at risk, but no such action has been taken so far.
Defense Minister Radu Miruta announced on Friday that the American anti-drone system based on artificial intelligence will be integrated with national air defense systems after the tests are completed. The Merops system, developed by the American company Project Eagle, will be able to counteract threats in the form of drones along the Danube.
