Romania on Sunday said a Russian attack drone targeting civilian infrastructure in neighboring Ukraine overnight had entered its airspace, strongly condemning the "renewed violation" brought on by Moscow's "illegal attacks."
Since launching its invasion in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly carried out nightly attacks on cities across Ukraine, frequently targeting ports in the southern Odesa region after exiting a grain export deal.
Drone fragments have already been found in the NATO member country.
Early on Sunday, Romania's army radars detected a drone that had entered its airspace before it "left the national territory towards Ukraine," Romania's Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Romania air force planes monitored the situation, and phone alerts were sent to the residents in Tulcea and Constanta counties near the border of Ukraine, the ministry said.
It said initial data "indicated the probability of an impact zone on national territory" in an unpopulated area near the village of Periprava, adding that searches were being conducted since the early morning hours.
Romania's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the "renewed violation" of its airspace in a statement, calling on Moscow to end the "repeated attacks" leading to the "irresponsible escalation" of the security situation in the region.
The ministry said it "demands respect for the rules of international law," adding that it had informed its NATO allies about the airspace breach.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
