Romania and Poland have taken urgent military steps following a surge in Russian drone activity near their borders with Ukraine, fueling tensions along NATO’s eastern flank.

The latest incidents included Poland’s downing of Russian drones in its airspace on September 10 — the first known engagement of Russian military assets by a NATO member over its own territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Romania’s Defense Ministry reported that on September 13, it scrambled two F-16 fighter jets after a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace during overnight strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure near the border. The drone was tracked until it disappeared from radar approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Chilia Veche, in Tulcea County near the Danube Delta.

Authorities issued alerts instructing residents to seek shelter, though officials confirmed that the drone did not pass over populated areas or pose an immediate danger. Romania, which shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine, has repeatedly discovered Russian drone debris on its territory since 2022.

Polish authorities also mobilized on September 13, deploying Polish and allied NATO aircraft to secure airspace in eastern Poland. As a precautionary measure, Lublin Airport temporarily suspended operations, and the Polish Air Navigation Agency closed its controlled airspace zone. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said the actions were preventative and aimed at safeguarding citizens but did not confirm a direct violation of Polish airspace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the incidents, accusing Moscow of deliberately plotting drone flight paths that threaten NATO countries.

“This cannot be an accident. It is a deliberate expansion of the war by Russia,” Zelensky said.

Romanian Foreign Minister Toiu Oana labeled the actions “unacceptable and reckless,” pledging to raise the issue at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. She urged the EU to adopt its 19th package of sanctions against Moscow and called for full implementation of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, which was launched on September 13 in response to Poland’s airspace breach.

NATO has vowed to reinforce air defenses along its eastern flank. Romania recently passed legislation granting its military the authority to shoot down unauthorized drones even in peacetime, though detailed enforcement protocols are still being finalized.

Analysts warn that the incidents highlight the growing risk of escalation between Russia and NATO as drone warfare spills over into allied territory. (ILKHA)