Bucharest — A NATO mission involving an F-18 fighter jet successfully intercepted a drone that had violated Romanian airspace. This marks the fourth unmanned aerial vehicle shot down in the area this year, according to Romania’s defense ministry.
US Army Colonel Martin O’Donnell, representing NATO’s military headquarters, confirmed the alliance’s ongoing vigilance and readiness to counter any threats. While Sunday’s incident details are still under investigation, the drone is suspected to be Russian in origin.
Romania shares a land border of 381 miles with Ukraine and has experienced continuous airspace intrusions by Russian drones over the past four years. Floating mines have also disrupted key trade and energy routes in the Black Sea.
The Romanian defense ministry indicated that the drone was traced entering the country from Moldova, north of the city of Galati. The Spanish NATO contingent aircraft engaged and successfully downed the drone, which landed in an unpopulated zone between two villages at 5:01 a.m.
The ministry stated, “The F-18 jet made radar contact with the target and received permission to engage.”
Moscow Hit by Ukrainian Drone Strikes
In Moscow, Ukrainian drone strikes overnight targeted the region, resulting in what local authorities describe as a significant attack. Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov reported that the attack led to one death—a man aged 83—and injuries to several others in Podolsk. He mentioned damage to a warehouse belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries.
Additional facilities, including another warehouse near Moscow’s Domodedovo airport, were hit. A video clip from Reuters showcased the aftermath of the attack on Wildberries’ logistics complex, with a substantial smoke plume about 45 km south of Moscow.
Ukraine has accused Wildberries of dealing with military goods and has escalated its attacks as part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s economic infrastructure deemed supportive of its military operations.
Russian Attacks on Kyiv
Meanwhile, Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks against Kyiv early on Sunday. These attacks ignited fires in at least two districts, according to Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The military administration reported three injuries due to the strikes.
Klitschko noted on Telegram that debris from the attacks caused a blaze in a non-residential area of a northern suburb. Another fire emerged south of the city center, with Reuters witnesses noting explosions across the city.
Kyiv region’s Governor Tymur Tkachenko reported additional injuries—including a child—from the drone attacks elsewhere in the region. Russia has intensified bombing campaigns targeting Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine in recent weeks.