NATO must respond to Russian drones' intrusion into its airspace — Romanian Defense Minister

Reuters reports.

According to Tilvar, the Bucharest Nine (B9) states are deeply concerned about repeated intrusions by Russian drones and missiles into the airspace of NATO countries (Poland, Romania, Latvia), as well as escalating tensions along the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance.

"That is why a robust, coordinated response on an allied level is needed as well as enforcing the rotational air defense and integrated anti-missile model as soon as possible,” he said.

At the same time, Polish Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski said that at a meeting of NATO defense ministers, it is necessary to discuss the issue of destroying drones that cross the Alliance's air borders.

"We have confirmed hybrid attacks on allies, as well as the participation of Belarus in Russia's actions," Zalewski added.

Russian drones on the territory of NATO countries

On March 24, during Russia's morning attack on Ukrainian territory, an enemy cruise missile flew into Poland, forcing the country to raise its own and allied aircraft.

On July 31, Romanian special services and experts from the Romanian Ministry of National Defense discovered new fragments of a Russian drone near the border with Ukraine.

On the night of September 8, during a Russian UAV attack on Ukraine, at least one drone flew into Romania. The country raised its aircraft, and residents along the border were warned of possible debris. 

The Latvian Armed Forces stated that a Shahed-type UAV with explosives had crashed on the country's territory on September 7.