Kyiv has made a striking assertion, contending that Iranian-made Russian drones, known as “Shaheds,” fell and detonated on Romanian territory during a nighttime attack on the Ukrainian port of Izmail.
Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko announced this development on social media, citing the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
He linked this incident to a significant Russian offensive near Izmail, situated along the Danube River, adjacent to Romania.
Nikolenko underscored the perceived threat posed by Russia’s missile capabilities not only to Ukraine but also to neighboring countries, including NATO member states.
Romania’s Denial
In sharp contrast to Ukraine’s account, the Romanian Defence Ministry issued a categorical denial, asserting that Russian drones did not land on Romanian territory during the attack.
They emphasized that the means of attack employed by Russia did not pose a direct military threat to Romania’s national territory or territorial waters.
This denial was further echoed by Daniela Tanase, a resident of the Romanian village of Plauru, whose vantage point offers a view of Ukraine’s Izmail port.
While she acknowledged hearing drones and explosions across the river, she remained uncertain about any specific incidents on the Romanian side.
Conflicting Statements
The State Border Guard Service in Ukraine contradicted Romania’s denial, with spokesman Andriy Demchenko affirming the reliability of Nikolenko’s account and confirming the observation of two detonations on Romanian territory near the Izmail port during the Russian attack.
The conflicting statements between Ukraine and Romania have created uncertainty regarding the precise events that transpired.
NATO’s Stance and Implications
The situation holds potential implications for NATO, as the military alliance has a collective defense commitment, viewing an attack on one ally as an attack on all allies.
Ukrainian lawmaker Oksana Savchuk suggested that Romania’s denial could be part of an effort by NATO to avoid sliding into a direct confrontation with Russia.
The incident adds complexity to the ongoing tensions in the Black Sea region, where Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, all NATO members, are navigating the fallout of Russia’s withdrawal from a grain export agreement that had a significant impact on Ukrainian exports.
Background on Black Sea Grain Export Deal
The grain export deal allowed Ukraine to export food via the Black Sea, a crucial corridor for Ukrainian grain shipments during the conflict.
Moscow’s withdrawal from this agreement in July led to airstrikes targeting Ukrainian ports, including Izmail.
The attack that prompted the controversy damaged Ukrainian warehouses and set buildings ablaze just hours before a meeting between Turkey’s President Erdogan and Russia’s President Putin.
Past Claims and Dismissals
Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has occasionally asserted that hostilities have spilled over into European countries.
However, these claims have often been met with skepticism from its NATO allies.
Past incidents, such as a Tupolev drone crashing in Zagreb and a missile landing in a Polish village, were attributed to Ukrainian origin and dismissed as accidents by Western allies.
Ukraine’s Call for More Weapons
Ukraine’s leadership, in response to the recent incident and ongoing challenges, has emphasized the need for increased supplies of modern air defense systems and long-range weapons.
These measures are seen as vital to counter Russia’s ability to launch drones and missiles into Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, called for additional weapons and long-range missiles to hasten the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Commentary
The conflicting accounts surrounding this incident underscore the complexities of verifying events in the context of an ongoing conflict.
It also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region and the challenges faced by NATO member states in managing their relationships with Russia amid a volatile security landscape.
The situation warrants continued scrutiny as it unfolds, with implications for regional security and international diplomacy.