Romania achieved a first on NATO's eastern flank by downing an unmanned aerial vehicle that violated its airspace with an F-16 fighter jet. In the incident that occurred on Friday, pilots identified the drone as a Shahed-type drone of Iranian design, used by Russia in Ukraine.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu said in a statement on X, "Today at 11:02, a Romanian pilot downed a drone that entered our airspace without permission with an F-16 fighter jet." Țoiu stressed that the intervention took place in an uninhabited area in Buzău county and that this was a first for Romania.
The incident once again highlighted the risk of Russia's war in Ukraine spilling over into NATO borders. Romania, which borders Ukraine, has reported dozens of drone violations or debris cases since 2022. Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Defense Minister Radu Miruță reiterated their commitment to protecting the airspace and investing in modern air defense systems.
Simultaneous deadly attacks in Ukraine
On the day the drone was downed, deadly Russian attacks took place in Ukraine's Kyiv region and Slovyansk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the death toll from a missile strike in the Kyiv region had risen to 10, with the number of wounded approaching 100.
In the attack carried out with guided aerial bombs in Slovyansk, 5 people were killed and 9 were wounded. Latvia's honorary consulate building was also damaged in the attack. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced that two consulate employees were wounded, while honorary consul Oleksandr Pavenko was unharmed. Latvia summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires to the Foreign Ministry to protest.
Zelenskyy described the attacks as 'barbaric attacks on civilians,' reiterated his call for air defense support from allies, and said, 'Interceptors for Patriot systems are the number one priority.'
Ukraine's targets inside Russia
Ukraine also reported striking a military enterprise in the Russian city of Kirov and an oil facility approximately 1,350 kilometers away. Zelenskyy said the facility in Kirov supplies parts for Russian aircraft and missile systems.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting on Monday at Ukraine's request. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Chief of General Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that they had recaptured 700 square kilometers of territory in 2026 and handed over to his successor 'an army that continues not only defense but also offense.'
