Romania and Latvia, NATO members and Ukraine supporters in its ongoing conflict with Russia, are looking into Russian drones that crashed after violating their airspace on Sunday, according to authorities from both nations. The incidents led officials to advocate for joint measures to counter airspace breaches by Russia.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana condemned the drone incidents as “irresponsible and potentially dangerous,” with no signs of a deliberate attack on Alliance states.
Romania’s defence ministry reported their radar detected and tracked a drone entering and leaving their airspace towards Ukraine. Romania deployed two F-16 fighter jets to monitor the drone. Residents in Tulcea and Constanta counties were advised to seek shelter.
Russian military drone has crashed in the Eastern part of Latvia yesterday. There is an ongoing investigation. We are in close contact with our allies. The number of such incidents is increasing along the Eastern flank of NATO and we must address them collectively.
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) September 8, 2024
The defence ministry identified a potential impact zone in an uninhabited area near Periprava village and began searching the area. In Latvia, which borders Russia and Belarus, President Edgars Rinkevics called for a unified NATO response on social media platform X. He highlighted the increasing frequency of such incidents along NATO’s Eastern flank.
Accidental flight path
The Latvian defence ministry, quoted by LETA news agency, noted the drone entered Latvian airspace from Belarus and crashed near Rezekne city. Commander Leonids Kalnins of Latvia’s Joint Headquarters stated that experts believed the drone did not intentionally fly into Latvia.
Defence Minister Andris Spruds emphasised the need to strengthen Latvia’s eastern border, including air defence and electronic warfare capabilities.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, remarked on X these incidents highlight Russia’s aggressive actions extending beyond Ukraine and called for maximum support from Ukraine’s allies.
Romania, sharing a 650-km (400-mile) border with Ukraine, has experienced several instances of Russian drone fragments landing in its territory over the past year. Romanian territory lies close to Ukrainian Danube River ports, which are frequently targeted by Russia.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated there were no serious ground issues after consulting with the defence minister and acknowledged the continued threat due to the ongoing border conflict.
Romanian lawmakers are considering legislation to allow the country to shoot down drones invading its airspace during peacetime.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Hindu reported on NATO members Romania and Latvia, whose airspace was violated by Russian drones during attacks on Ukraine, with no reported casualties or damage. (read more)
- The Week reports that Russian drones violated the airspace of two NATO members, Romania and Latvia, while striking Ukraine’s civilian targets and infrastructure, leading to civilian casualties and intensified military actions. (read more)
- ABC News reports that a Russian drone violated Romania’s airspace during nighttime attacks on Ukraine, prompting Romania to deploy F-16 warplanes and issue emergency alerts. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened with Russian drones in Romania and Latvia?
Russian drones breached their airspace and crashed. Authorities are investigating.
How did Romania respond to the drone incursion?
Romania scrambled F-16 jets and warned residents to take cover.
Did NATO officials comment on the drone incidents?
Yes, Mircea Geoana called them ‘irresponsible and potentially dangerous’ but not deliberate attacks.
What measures are being considered in Romania regarding drone incursions?
Romania is planning legislation to shoot down drones invading its airspace in peacetime.
What did Latvia’s President say about the drone incident?
President Rinkevics called for a common NATO response to increasing incidents.