Romania’s defense ministry confirmed that a Russian drone violated its airspace, marking the second such incident involving NATO countries within a week. This follows a previous incursion into Poland, where approximately 20 Russian drones were reported, resulting in some being intercepted by NATO warplanes.
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, Romanian fighter jets were deployed to monitor a Russian attack on Ukraine. They successfully tracked the drone as it entered Romanian airspace near the southern border of Ukraine. According to the Romanian defense statement, the drone penetrated approximately 10 kilometers into Romanian territory and remained in NATO airspace for about 50 minutes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized NATO for its response, calling the incursion a provocation that should have prompted immediate action. In a post on social media platform X, he stated, “Do not wait for dozens of Shaheds [Iranian drones] and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions.”
Poland responded to the escalating situation by deploying air force jets for the second time within a week. The Polish Operational Command reported that airspace near the Ukrainian border was closed, including Lublin Airport, due to the presence of drones. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Polish air defense systems were placed on the highest alert “amid the threat of Russian drones” over Ukraine. Residents in six districts near the border received emergency SMS alerts regarding potential aerial threats.
Earlier on the same day, Ukrainian air defense reported two Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in western Ukraine. Zelensky expressed skepticism about the accidental nature of these drone flights, renewing his appeal for allies to impose stricter sanctions on Russia.
Poland has heightened its air security awareness following the significant drone incursion earlier that week. For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Polish and allied forces successfully shot down at least three UAVs. As a result of these events, Poland is set to receive additional air defense support from NATO allies.
In a statement made on March 9, 2024, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that determining whether the drones were intentionally sent into Poland would take several days. He remarked, “The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically. If that’s the case, that the evidence leads us there, then obviously that’ll be a highly escalatory move.”
As tensions continue to rise in Eastern Europe, the incidents highlight the precarious security situation in the region and the implications for NATO’s defensive posture. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as nations respond to these provocative actions.
