Moscow Labels Drone Incident in Romania as a Ukrainian ‘Provocation’

The Russian embassy in Romania stated on Sunday that the drone incursion into Eastern Europe the previous day was a «provocation» orchestrated by Ukraine.

Romania’s Defense Ministry noted on Saturday that two of its fighter jets had intercepted a drone within Romanian airspace during Russian assaults on neighboring Ukraine.

According to the defense ministry, the drone did not traverse populated areas and did not endanger civilians.

On Sunday, Romania’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipayev to discuss the incident.

The Russian embassy in Romania refuted claims that one of its drones had entered Romanian airspace, labeling it a «deliberate provocation by the Kyiv regime.»

They also accused the authorities in Bucharest of not providing clear and convincing answers to Moscow’s inquiries regarding the airspace violation.

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Romania has reported several instances of downing drones within its borders.

Saturday’s event occurred less than a week after Poland reported shooting down several Russian drones that had entered its airspace during a significant aerial offensive against Ukraine.

Both Romania and Poland are part of NATO.

This report also includes contributions from AFP.