Romania Confronts Russia Over Drone Incursions

July 26, 2023

Source: cdnph.upi.com

Romania has shot down another Russian drone in its airspace, marking the third such incident in a week. The incident has prompted the NATO member to summon Russia’s ambassador, with Foreign Minister Oana Tîu stating that Bucharest will weigh whether to lodge a diplomatic protest over the trio of recent incidents.

The latest drone was shot down by a Romanian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft on Sunday, July 23, 2023, over the Black Sea near the delta of the River Danube. According to Defense Minister Radu Miruța, the drone had penetrated into Romanian airspace without authorization, and was first detected by radar outside Romanian airspace before it continued into its national territory at 10:08 a.m. above Sulina.

‘Romania’s safety is not defended with slogans. Congratulations to the pilots and ground support teams!’ Miruța said in a statement. ‘Each such incident confirms that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to generate risks beyond Ukrainian borders.’

Investigation Reveals Drone Type

An initial investigation has revealed that the drone shot down on Friday, July 21, 2023, is of the Shahed type, used by the Russian Federation in the war of aggression against Ukraine. The Shahed drones are known for their kamikaze capabilities, and have been used extensively by Russian forces in Ukraine.

‘It is inadmissible and intolerable for the Russian Federation to continue violating Romania’s airspace, which is, at the same time, NATO airspace and European Union airspace,’ Tîu said. ‘Such actions are unacceptable, and we treat them with the utmost seriousness, alongside our allies.’

Romanian President Nicușor Dan also congratulated the pilots who carried out the mission and criticized Moscow for its ‘continued violation’ of Romanian airspace.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged allies to craft a ‘comprehensive deterrence package’ against Russia over its violations of Romanian airspace, calling them ‘a clear demonstration of the Kremlin’s complete disregard for international law, national sovereignty, and European security.’

‘The response must match the scale of the threat,’ Sybiha said. ‘We need a comprehensive deterrence package for Ukraine and Europe: stronger sanctions, maximum pressure on Russia, and a joint effort to shield Europe’s skies from Russian terror.’

In response to the recent incidents, Romania has summoned the Russian ambassador, and will weigh whether to lodge a diplomatic protest. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of Romanian airspace and the potential for further Russian aggression.

Russia’s Response

Russia has not commented on the latest incident, but has previously denied any involvement in the drone incursions. However, the use of Shahed drones by Russian forces in Ukraine suggests that the Kremlin may be behind the recent incidents.

The incident has also raised concerns about the potential for further Russian aggression in the region, and the need for a comprehensive deterrence package to protect European skies.

In conclusion, the recent drone incursions by Russia into Romanian airspace have raised serious concerns about the safety of the region and the potential for further aggression. The Romanian government has summoned the Russian ambassador and will weigh whether to lodge a diplomatic protest, while the international community is urging a comprehensive response to the threat posed by Russia.