NATO increased security measures on Saturday after a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace. As a result, Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets, which tracked the drone for nearly an hour before it exited into Ukraine.
This latest incident occurred while Russia launched new strikes on Ukrainian ports. Moreover, it came just days after 19 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace, forcing Poland to invoke Article 4 of NATO and hold emergency talks. Consequently, these repeated violations have intensified fears of the war spilling into Eastern Europe.
Romania Scrambles Jets
Immediately after detecting the drone, Romanian Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu confirmed that fighter pilots nearly shot it down. However, the drone was flying very low and escaped before they could engage.
Romania, which shares a 650-kilometre border with Ukraine, has faced several similar incidents in recent months. Since the start of the war, Russian drone fragments have repeatedly fallen inside Romanian territory, raising public concern.
Romania’s Response
In response, the Romanian Defence Ministry assured citizens that the drone did not fly over populated areas and posed no immediate threat. Nevertheless, search teams are scanning the area for debris.
Earlier this year, in February, Romania passed a new law allowing its military to shoot down drones violating its airspace. This move came as a precaution against increasing Russian attacks.
Furthermore, Defence Minister Mosteanu condemned the breach, stating, “Romania condemns Russia’s reckless behaviour, which threatens regional stability. Together with our NATO allies, we remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of Allied airspace.”
Zelenskyy Slams Russia
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticized Russia’s actions. According to him, the drone flew 10 kilometres inside Romanian territory and remained in NATO airspace for 50 minutes.
He emphasized, “This was not a coincidence or a mistake.” Zelenskyy described it as “an obvious expansion of the war by Russia” and urged NATO to take “preventive action” before the situation worsens further.
Today, Romania scrambled combat aircraft because of a Russian drone in its airspace. According to current data, the drone penetrated about 10 kilometers into Romanian territory and operated in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes. Also today, Poland responded militarily to the…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 13, 2025
Ukraine Demands Tougher Measures
Additionally, Ukraine’s foreign ministry issued a sharp statement, claiming that Russia “knows exactly where their drones are headed.” The ministry demanded stricter sanctions, higher tariffs on Russian trade, and the creation of a stronger defence system to counter future threats.
Rising Tensions in Eastern Europe
As a result of these repeated drone violations, tensions between Russia and NATO members continue to escalate. With incursions now affecting both Romania and Poland, NATO forces remain on high alert, ready to defend their airspace and prevent further aggression.