- Russian drones breach Latvian and Romanian airspace
- Romania deployed F-16s to monitor situation
- NATO condemns Russia’s “irresponsible” actions
Latvia and Romania, NATO allies of Ukraine, have reported that Russian drones breached their airspace.
Romania said a Russian drone entered its airspace during nocturnal attacks over the Danube River in neighbouring Ukraine early Sunday. At the same time, Latvia alleged one crashed in the country’s east the day before.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence stated that Bucharest had deployed F-16 fighter jets to monitor its airspace and that a search for the weapon’s debris was underway at a possible crash site near the border. There were no early reports of injuries or damage.
Bucharest fiercely condemned the “renewed violation” caused by Moscow’s “illegal attacks.”
Meanwhile, Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics announced that a Russian military drone had crashed in the country’s eastern region.
The Defense Ministry stated that the drone entered the country’s airspace from Belarus and crashed near Rezekne, a town of about 25,000 people located 55 kilometres (34 miles) west of Russia and 75 kilometres (47 miles) from Belarus, a strong ally of the Kremlin.
While the breach into Latvian airspace appeared to be an isolated incident, Romania has reported drone pieces on its territory on many occasions since Russia launched a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Romania has a 650-kilometer (400-mile) border with Ukraine.
Mircea Geoana, NATO’s outgoing deputy secretary-general and Romania’s former top diplomat, said the military alliance denounced Russia’s breach of Romanian airspace. “While we have no evidence of an intentional attack by Russia on Allies, these actions are irresponsible and potentially dangerous,” he said on the social media platform X.
Russia has launched repeated nocturnal attacks on Ukrainian towns, typically targeting its Danube River ports, which are only a few hundred metres from Romania.
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Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, criticized the violations of Romanian and Latvian airspace, calling them “a stark reminder that Russia’s aggressive actions extend beyond Ukraine.”
He also stated on X that Ukraine needs tangible action from its friends.
“A courageous collective decision to use partner air defence to intercept Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine.” Ukrainian fighters will receive stronger and speedier military aid. Releasing limits on Ukraine’s use of weaponry. “Act now,” he advised.
Poland has also reported at least two violations of its airspace by Russian missiles or drones striking Ukraine, the most recent occurring in December.
Romanian MPs intend to debate legislation at their current session allowing the country to shoot down drones breaching its airspace during peacetime.
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