Romanian President: Investigation Underway into Drone Arrivals at Constanța Port

Romanian President Nicușor Dan chaired a high-level meeting with military officials in Constanța to address recent maritime drone incidents that occurred in the port and the Black Sea. The extensive session, lasting over three hours, focused on analyzing the consequences of exploding drones and evaluating Romania's overall defense and security readiness along its Black Sea coast.

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We had a long meeting both on yesterday's event and on the general context of how prepared we are for this type of event. We had a Ukrainian drone part of a set of four. We must say very clearly that Ukraine is the attacked country. The responsible party is Russia. Because Russia is the aggressor country in this war.

President Dan emphasized that Russia is the aggressor in the ongoing war, while Ukraine is the victim. He detailed the protocol followed after a Ukrainian drone, part of a set of four, was detected. Immediate actions included securing the perimeter and relocating vessels. The president confirmed that all personnel involved in the operation had evacuated the area before the drone's scheduled self-detonation.

Addressing public speculation about a Russian phantom fleet vessel allegedly targeted by the drones, Dan clarified that the ship was engaged in legitimate commercial trade, transporting oil between a Russian port and Rompetrol. He confirmed that this vessel had made similar trips previously. The president assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine how the drones ended up near Constanța port, with results anticipated in 7 to 10 days.

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There was speculation that these drones were tracking a ship from Russia's phantom fleet that unloaded oil at Rompetrol. It is not a ship from the phantom fleet, but a ship that made commercial routes between the Russian port used by Kazakhstan for oil exports and Rompetrol. It has made this route several times before.

Dan acknowledged that maritime drone technology is a new development stemming from the current conflict, requiring continuous adaptation. He highlighted Romania's ongoing naval modernization efforts, with new equipment expected soon. The president also pointed to existing regional security cooperation, mentioning a NATO center involving Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania, which is set to be hosted in Romania in 2028, demonstrating the country's proactive approach to anticipating and mitigating such threats.

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An answer to this question we will have in 7-10 days.