Ukrainian drone explodes in Romania's Black Sea port, raising alarm in Europe

A Ukrainian naval drone detonated inside Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday, while three other maritime drones exploded outside the port, Romanian authorities reported. No injuries occurred.

The drone self-destructed in the port around 10:30 a.m. after security forces had secured and isolated the area. The Romanian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Ukrainian counterparts had lost control of four drones. The other three drones detonated themselves, two offshore and one outside the port.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan stated that Ukrainian forces lost control of the drones due to Russian electronic warfare, likely interference. He called the incursion into Romanian sovereign space a direct consequence of Russia's war against Ukraine. Dan emphasized that security forces acted quickly and preventatively, prioritizing life and port infrastructure safety.

"With a military conflict on the border, it is evident that the security environment in which we are is delicate, so we will maintain a high level of vigilance," Dan explained. The Ukrainian Navy confirmed losing control of an unmanned naval vessel while it was performing tasks in the Black Sea operational zone and was in contact with Romanian authorities to prevent civilian casualties.

Following the explosion, over 1,300 people were evacuated from several Black Sea beaches, and access routes were temporarily blocked. Emergency authorities later announced the suspension of evacuation measures.