Nicușor Dan explains why Romania does not shoot down drones entering national airspace towards Ukraine

Romania cannot engage drones transiting its airspace towards Ukraine, President Nicușor Dan stated, explaining that such an action would violate international law and make Romania a co-belligerent in the conflict. "According to international law... if two countries are at war and a third country fires towards the war zone, it becomes a co-belligerent. That is the reason why we do not fire towards Ukraine," Dan explained at an event in Constanța.

“

According to international law... if two countries are at war and a third country fires towards the war zone, it becomes a co-belligerent. That is the reason why we do not fire towards Ukraine.

Dan further elaborated that beyond the legal implications, there are significant safety considerations when intercepting drones. He noted that the types of missiles used against aerial drones require strict adherence to protocols to prevent potential ground casualties. "The other reason, if we talk about aerial drones, is that we fire at drones or are in a situation to fire at drones with a certain type of missile which, if not well-aimed, can cause more victims than the drone itself when it falls," the president stated.

He emphasized that clear protocols are in place to guide military personnel on when and how to launch a missile against a drone. "That is why there are conditions and again there are protocols for the soldier who is in the plane tracking the drone, only under certain conditions can they launch the missile that fires at drones," Dan added.

“

The other reason, if we talk about aerial drones, is that we fire at drones or are in a situation to fire at drones with a certain type of missile which, if not well-aimed, can cause more victims than the drone itself when it falls.

President Dan made these remarks following a meeting with military leaders in Constanța, where they discussed an incident involving maritime drones that exploded in the Black Sea port and offshore.

“

That is why there are conditions and again there are protocols for the soldier who is in the plane tracking the drone, only under certain conditions can they launch the missile that fires at drones.