The Ukrainian Navy has explained the appearance of a maritime drone off the coast of Romania
This was reported by the Ukrainian Navy.
The Ukrainian Navy has explained the appearance of an unmanned surface vessel off the coast of Romania.
According to the Navy, whilst carrying out tasks in the Black Sea operational zone, one of the Ukrainian forces’ unmanned surface vessels lost control due to the influence of Russian electronic warfare systems.
The boat subsequently ended up off the coast of Romania.
The Navy stated that it had passed on the necessary information to the Romanian Navy to prevent civilian casualties.
What happened in Constanța
On 5 June, a naval drone exploded in the Romanian port of Constanta. It detonated near an oil terminal; there were no casualties. Following the incident, the Romanian authorities evacuated part of the area, warned residents and deployed ships and helicopters to search the area.
The Romanian Ministry of Defence reported that the drone did not belong to the Romanian military and self-detonated after Romanian security forces had already taken control of the area.
Previously, the Romanian side had not confirmed the origin of the maritime drone. Following a statement by the Ukrainian Navy, it emerged that the drone in question was a Ukrainian unmanned maritime vessel that had lost control due to the effects of Russian electronic warfare.
Why this matters
The incident occurred against a backdrop of growing security risks in the Black Sea.
Romania is a member of NATO and the EU, and the port of Constanța is of strategic importance to the region. It remains one of the key routes for Ukrainian exports, particularly grain and fuel.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan previously stated that such incidents are a direct consequence of the aggressive war that Russia launched against Ukraine. The AP also noted that European leaders expressed their support for Romania following the drone incidents.
What happens next
Romanian authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident in Constanța and assessing potential additional risks to the port and coastline.
The Ukrainian side states that it has provided the Romanian military with the necessary data to ensure the safety of the civilian population.
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