Romanian Airspace Violated by Russian Drone as Tensions Rise Following Polish Incursions
Bucharest, Romania – Romania’s Ministry of National Defense reported on Saturday that Russian drones entered its airspace, marking a further escalation of tensions in the region following repeated incursions into Polish airspace this week.The incident occurred as Poland again scrambled jets in response to renewed drone activity near its border with Ukraine.
The Romanian Defence Ministry stated that its radar systems detected the drones, but did not specify how many were involved or whether they posed a direct threat. The situation is being closely monitored, and Romanian authorities are coordinating with NATO allies.
This advancement comes after Poland reported nearly 20 Russian drones crossed into its airspace between Tuesday and wednesday. In response to those initial incursions, Poland and its NATO allies deployed helicopters and aircraft, placing air defence and radar reconnaissance systems on their highest level of alert. While that high alert was later lifted on Saturday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned that vigilance remains crucial, stating, “We remain vigilant.”
Several European nations, including France, Germany, and Sweden, have increased their support for defending Polish airspace in solidarity.
the incidents have prompted debate over intent. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over the Russian drone incursions, questioning whether Poland was specifically targeted.”There’s no doubt whatsoever about it: the drones were intentionally launched. The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically,” Rubio told reporters in Washington, adding that a purposeful targeting would be “highly escalatory.” Poland has rejected suggestions from US President Donald Trump that the incursions may have been accidental.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied deliberately targeting Poland.
Adding to the escalating situation, Russia reported a Ukrainian drone attack on one of its largest oil refining complexes, located 1,400km (870 miles) from the frontline in ukraine. The drone sparked a fire and caused minor damage to the Bashneft-owned complex near Ufa, with a Ukrainian military intelligence source claiming duty. Ukraine has consistently targeted Russian refineries as the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, aiming to disrupt the Kremlin’s funding of the conflict through its fossil fuel industry.
President Trump has reiterated his call for all NATO nations to agree to and implement major sanctions against Russia, and to cease purchasing oil from Russia, before the US will follow suit. He has previously threatened sanctions without enacting them.
