Romania has reported that a Russian drone may have crashed on its territory
During the night of 16–17 April, Russian forces carried out a new series of drone attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine near the border, in the area of the northern part of the Kiliya estuary of the Danube.
The Romanian Ministry of National Defence reported that air defence systems had detected two aerial targets in the border zone. One of them entered the country’s airspace, after which radar contact with it was lost 16 kilometres south-east of the commune of Kiliya-Veche over uninhabited terrain.
The National Military Command Centre informed the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the need to alert the population of the northern part of Tulcea County. A RO-ALERT message was sent at 00:43. The air raid alert was lifted at 02:48.
The agency noted that a Ministry team is ready to set off on the morning of 17 April on a reconnaissance mission to the area where contact with the target was lost.
The Romanian Ministry of Defence condemned the actions of the Russian Federation, which, in its view, pose a threat to regional security and constitute a serious violation of international law. The ministry added that it continues to coordinate with allied and national agencies and is ready to take the necessary measures to protect the territory and the population.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, during the night the Russian army launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 172 strike drones at Ukraine. The launches were carried out from Russian territory and occupied Crimea. Air defences shot down 147 drones.
The statement also notes that similar incidents have occurred previously. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression in February 2022, drones have been repeatedly detected in Romanian airspace, and drone debris has been found on its territory.
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