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Russian Drone Flies 50 Minutes in Romanian Airspace Before Returning to Ukraine
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
A Russian Shahed drone entered Romanian airspace on September 13 and remained there for nearly 50 minutes before returning to Ukraine, according to Romanian and Ukrainian officials.
Romania’s Ministry of Defense reported that the drone was detected at 18:23 and tracked by two F-16 fighter jets from the 86th Air Base.
The aircraft monitored it until it left Romanian territory about 20 kilometers southwest of Chilia Veche, near the Danube.
Two allied German Eurofighter jets were also airborne during the incident. Officials confirmed that the drone did not pass over populated areas and posed no direct threat to civilians.
Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu later clarified on Antena 3 CNN that the F-16s were ready to engage if necessary.
“The drone was flying very low. At one point, it headed toward Ukraine. According to the information we have, the drone left Romanian airspace and returned to Ukraine,” he said. He added that such incursions occur almost weekly near Izmail, Vilkovo, and northern Dobruja.
Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable and reckless.” Writing on X, she stated: “The population of Romania was never in danger, but such actions by Russia are unacceptable and reckless. Romania condemns this behavior and takes the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security.” She confirmed that Romania is coordinating closely with EU and NATO partners.
Țoiu also urged the EU to “swiftly adopt the 19th package of sanctions” against Russia and said she would raise the matter at the UN General Assembly, calling for strict global enforcement of sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drone penetrated Romanian territory by around 10 kilometers and stayed in NATO airspace for nearly an hour. “This is not an accident or a mistake. It is a deliberate expansion of the war by Russia,” he wrote on Telegram.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also reacted, saying on X: “Russia continues to provoke. Yesterday evening it was Romania. I do not believe in Russia’s ‘mistakes.’ As NATO allies, we remain vigilant.” He added that Russia “must pay a price for its provocations against NATO.”
The incident followed earlier violations of NATO airspace. On September 10, Poland reported that 19 Russian drones crossed its border, with several shot down and others causing property damage in Lublin Voivodeship. Poland again temporarily closed Lublin airport on September 13 due to drone threats.
