Romania summons Russian envoy after shooting down third intruding drone

Romania summoned Russia's ambassador to protest repeated airspace violations after its forces shot down three drones in as many days. The incidents highlight growing concerns that Russia's war in Ukraine could entangle neighboring NATO states.

A Romanian plane downed a drone on Sunday morning, following similar interceptions on Friday and Saturday. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the latest incident. The drone shot down on Friday was identified as a "Shahed model, used by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine."

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It is unacceptable and intolerable for the Russian Federation to continue violating Romania’s airspace, which is also the airspace of NATO and the European Union.

Foreign Minister Oana Toiu called the violations "unacceptable and intolerable." The persistent entry of Russian drones into the airspace of Eastern European countries is seen as an attempt to test NATO and EU defenses. US Army Colonel Martin O’Donnell, a senior NATO military spokesperson, echoed this sentiment, stating it is "unacceptable and intolerable."

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Unacceptable and intolerable.

Romania has experienced frequent drone incursions since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In May, a drone struck an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galati, injuring two people. Last month, a maritime drone exploded in Romania's Constanta port. The Baltic states have also reported airspace violations, contributing to political instability in Latvia.

NATO chief Mark Rutte described Russia's actions as a danger to all. The US ambassador to NATO pledged the alliance would "defend every inch" of its territory. In response, NATO, Romania, and other nations are actively acquiring ground-based interceptors to bolster air defense capabilities.

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NATO, Romania, and other nations [are actively acquiring] ground-based interceptors to enhance allied ⁠and national air defence capabilities.