Romania reports Russian drone in its airspace as Poland scrambles jets

Sunday 14 September 2025 - 11:00

By: Sahili Aya

Romania reports Russian drone in its airspace as Poland scrambles jets

Romania has become the latest NATO member to report a Russian drone entering its airspace, while Poland scrambled jets in response to new drone strikes near its border in Ukraine.

According to Romania’s defense ministry, the drone crossed into Romanian airspace during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure. Two F-16 fighter jets were deployed late Saturday to monitor the situation. The jets tracked the drone until it disappeared from radar near the village of Chilia Veche.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incidents as a deliberate expansion of Russia’s war operations, urging the West to impose stronger sanctions and enhance collective defense. “The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate,” he stated.

In Washington, former US President Donald Trump expressed readiness to impose major sanctions on Russia, provided NATO allies act together and cease buying Russian oil.

Poland reported deploying helicopters and aircraft when Russian drones struck Ukrainian territory close to its border. Ground-based air defense and radar systems were placed on the highest alert, though Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk later announced the alert was lifted while remaining cautious.

Since last week, nearly 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, prompting European countries including France, Germany, and Sweden to strengthen air defense support. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the risk of escalation if drone incursions were deliberate.

Meanwhile, Russia reported a Ukrainian drone attack on an oil refinery in Ufa, causing a fire and minor damage. Ukrainian intelligence claimed responsibility. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale offensive in February 2022, Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries to limit Kremlin funding from fossil fuels.