Tensions are escalating along NATO’s eastern flank as Russia continues to expand its drone operations.
Over the weekend, Romania and Poland reported incursions into their airspace, highlighting the growing risks of the conflict spilling over from Ukraine into neighbouring countries.
Romania Scrambles Jets Amid Drone Sighting
Romania became the latest NATO member to experience a drone breach on Saturday.
The country’s defence ministry confirmed that during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure, a drone entered Romanian airspace near the village of Chilia Veche.
Two F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to monitor the situation, tracking the drone until it disappeared from radar.
Poland Responds to Drone Strikes
Meanwhile, Poland remained on high alert after Russian drones struck regions of Ukraine near its border.
Helicopters and aircraft, both Polish and allied, were deployed alongside ground-based air defence and radar systems.
By Saturday evening, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the high alert had been lifted but stressed that vigilance would continue.
Zelensky Warns of Deliberate Escalation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the drone incursions as a deliberate expansion of Russia’s war.
“The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air,” he said.
Zelensky urged Western nations to respond with tougher sanctions and a strengthened collective defence system.
He cautioned against waiting for further drone or missile attacks before taking decisive action, referencing the Iranian-designed Shahed drones Russia has been using.
U.S. Leaders Weigh in on Sanctions
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said he is prepared to impose major sanctions on Russia once all NATO nations agree and cease buying Russian oil.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced concern over the drone incursions into Polish airspace, warning that any deliberate action by Russia could be highly escalatory.
Trump’s earlier suggestion that an incident might have been accidental was dismissed by Polish officials.
Ukraine Strikes Deep into Russian Territory
The conflict has also seen Ukraine retaliate with drone attacks on Russian infrastructure.
Over the weekend, a Ukrainian drone hit one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in Ufa, located about 1,400 kilometres from the front lines. The strike caused a fire and minor damage.
Ukrainian military intelligence, GUR, claimed responsibility, emphasizing Kyiv’s strategy to weaken Russia’s fossil fuel revenue, which funds its war effort.
European Allies Step Up Support
Countries including France, Germany, and Sweden have increased support for defending NATO airspace, particularly over Poland.
NATO members continue to coordinate closely to prevent the conflict from spilling over, while monitoring Russian drone activity along the borders.