WW3 Fears Explode as NATO Member Romania Faces increased Russian Drone Activity
Recent Russian drone attacks near the Ukrainian border have heightened anxieties in Romania, a NATO member, sparking concerns about potential escalation. Over the past few days, Romanian radar systems have detected multiple air targets, leading to increased military vigilance and public alerts.
On Monday, the Romanian Air Force scrambled two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to investigate detected air targets near the Ukrainian port city of Ismail. This was followed by a more direct incident on Tuesday, when a Russian “Shahed” drone reportedly crossed into Romanian airspace during a larger Russian attack on Ukraine targeting Kyiv.
The incursion triggered a nationwide “Ro-Alert” message advising citizens to seek shelter due to the possibility of falling debris. The message, issued by ISU Galați, urged residents to take cover in basements or civil protection shelters, or alternatively, to stay indoors away from windows and exterior walls. While authorities reported no incidents or calls for emergency assistance following the alert, the event underscores the growing proximity of the conflict to NATO territory.
The Romanian Defense Ministry confirmed that fighter jets were deployed in response to the airspace breach. Ukrainian air Force officials also reported observing a Russian UAV crossing the Romanian border.
This increased activity comes as public concern about a potential Russian attack on Romania is rising. A September poll by TVP World revealed that nearly half of 1,000 Romanian respondents believe their country could be targeted by Russia. Despite these fears, the poll also indicated strong faith in NATO, with 74% of respondents expressing a high level of trust in the alliance.
Romania joined NATO in 2004,motivated by a desire for stability and security following decades under Soviet influence and a commitment to preventing the resurgence of Russian imperialism. The recent events are testing that commitment and fueling anxieties about a wider conflict, raising the stakes in the ongoing war in Ukraine and prompting a reassessment of security measures along NATO’s eastern flank.
