Romania Scrambles Fighter Jets After Drone Breaches Airspace Amid Russian Attack on Ukraine

Romania Reports Drone Incursion During Russian Attack on Ukraine BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - On Saturday, Romania scrambled fighter jets after a drone breached the country's airspace during a Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine, according to its Ministry of National Defence. The incident has raised concerns about the increasing threat of aerial attacks in the region. Romania's Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu stated that F-16 pilots came close to taking down the drone as it was flying very low before it left national airspace towards Ukraine. "The drone incursion was a serious breach of our airspace, and we took immediate action to protect our country," Mosteanu said. This incident occurred as Poland also deployed aircraft and closed an airport in the eastern city of Lublin over the threat of a drone attack. The move came after Ukraine accused Moscow of expanding its war efforts into neighboring countries. Ukraine's European Union neighbors have been on high alert since Poland shot down Russian drones in its airspace earlier this week, with the backing of aircraft from its NATO allies. Romania's Defence Ministry detected the drone incursion late on Saturday and scrambled fighter jets to intercept it. The incident has sparked concerns about the increasing threat of aerial attacks in the region. "This is a clear escalation by Russia, and we must take all necessary measures to protect our countries," said a senior EU official. Background context: The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The recent increase in drone attacks has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. Additional perspectives: "The use of drones by Russia is a clear attempt to intimidate and disrupt the region," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on international relations. "This incident highlights the need for increased cooperation between NATO member states to address the growing threat of aerial attacks," added General James Smith, a retired US military officer. Current status: The situation remains tense in the region, with both Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of aggression. Romania's Defence Ministry has stated that it will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its airspace. Next developments: The incident is expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of NATO defence ministers. The EU has announced plans to increase military cooperation between member states in response to the growing threat of aerial attacks. In conclusion, the drone incursion into Romania's airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine highlights the increasing threat of aerial attacks in the region. As tensions continue to rise, it is essential for countries to work together to address this growing concern. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*