Zelenskyy: Russian drones stayed in Romanian airspace for nearly 50 minutes

Romania deployed fighter jets today after detecting a Russian drone in its airspace, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram, as reported by Caliber.Az.

According to him, the drone penetrated about 10 kilometres into Romanian territory and remained in the NATO member’s airspace for roughly 50 minutes.

“The same day, Poland also mobilised military forces in response to the threat of Russian attack drones,” Zelenskyy noted.

He said Russian drones had been observed throughout the day across different regions of Ukraine, including northern areas near the border with Belarus. Preliminary information suggested that Belarusian airspace may also have been used for drone entry into Ukraine toward Volyn.

Zelenskyy stressed that drone routes are always calculated in advance and cannot be accidental or mistaken, calling it clear evidence of Russia’s expansion of the war.

“Russia acts step by step, leading to heavy losses in the end. That is why we need to act preemptively, recognising that there are no minor military threats from those who are accustomed to destroying the independence and lives of others,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader also urged tougher sanctions on Russia, the introduction of trade restrictions, and the creation of a joint defence system. “Don’t wait for dozens of Shaheds and ballistic strikes before finally making a decision,” Zelenskyy warned.

Earlier, Romanian media reported that Russian drones had violated the country’s airspace.

By Khagan Isayev