Russian drones breach NATO airspace as Romania and Latvia sound alarm

Two NATO members, Romania and Latvia, reported breaches of their airspace by Russian drones. These incidents highlight the growing spillover of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine into neighboring countries, raising new concerns about the security of NATO borders.

Romania confirmed that a Russian drone entered its airspace during a series of nighttime strikes targeting Ukraine’s Danube River ports, mere meters from Romania’s border. The Romanian Ministry of National Defence deployed F-16 fighter jets to monitor the incursion and initiated a search for debris near the border. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or damages. Bucharest swiftly condemned Moscow’s actions, referring to the breach as a “renewed violation” due to Russia’s “illegal attacks.”

Meanwhile, in Latvia, President Edgars Rinkēvičs revealed that a Russian military drone crashed in the country’s eastern region, near Rezekne, a town just 55 kilometers from the Russian border. Latvia’s Defence Ministry stated that the drone had entered from Belarus, Russia’s close ally.

These events are part of a broader pattern of Russian drone activity affecting NATO countries since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Romania, which shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine, has found drone fragments on its territory multiple times, underscoring the ongoing threat.

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NATO’s outgoing deputy secretary-general and former Romanian diplomat, Mircea Geoană, strongly condemned the violations. “While we have no information indicating an intentional attack by Russia against Allies, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous,” he posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, called for immediate action from NATO allies. “A brave collective decision to use partner air defense to intercept Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine. Stronger and faster military aid for Ukrainian warriors. Lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of weapons. Act now,” he urged on X.

As tensions mount, Romanian lawmakers are considering new legislation that would allow the country to shoot down drones invading its airspace during peacetime—a move that may set a precedent for other NATO nations facing similar threats.