Reports from Romania indicate that a Russian drone breached the country's airspace during nighttime assaults on Ukraine, prompting Romania to call on Moscow to cease what it deemed an escalation of hostilities. The incident coincided with Russian attacks on civilian targets and port infrastructure along the Danube River in Ukraine, according to Romania's Ministry of National Defense.
Romania responded by deploying F-16 warplanes to monitor its airspace, with NATO allies being kept informed of the situation. Additionally, Romanian emergency authorities issued text alerts to residents in two eastern regions as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary findings suggest a potential impact zone in an uninhabited area near the Romanian village of Periprava, with an ongoing investigation into the matter. This is not the first time Romania has encountered drone fragments on its territory, with previous incidents reported as recently as July this year.
The Romanian Defense Ministry strongly denounced the Russian attacks on Ukraine, labeling them as unjustified and a serious violation of international law. NATO's outgoing deputy secretary-general and Romania's former top diplomat also condemned Russia's airspace violation, emphasizing the irresponsible and potentially dangerous nature of such actions.
In Ukraine, casualties were reported following a Russian airstrike on the city of Sumy, resulting in two civilian deaths and injuries to four individuals, including children. In the Kharkiv region, overnight shelling claimed the lives of two elderly women.
Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted one cruise missile and 15 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia, with no reported hits on targets. Russian forces continued their advance towards Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine and intensified attacks near Kurakhove, as confirmed by Ukraine's General Staff. Russia's Defense Ministry announced the capture of Novohrodivka, a town southeast of Pokrovsk.
As the conflict unfolds, tensions remain high in the region, with both Ukraine and its allies closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
For more updates on the ongoing conflict, visit the AP's dedicated coverage at AP News - Russia-Ukraine Conflict.
