A Ukrainian naval drone self-detonated in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday, prompting evacuations but causing no casualties. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time, with authorities securing and isolating the area before the explosion. This marks the second major drone-related incident in Romania in a week, following a Russian drone strike on an apartment building in Galati that injured two people.
Romanian officials confirmed the drone was not part of their military equipment and was not involved in recent Black Sea exercises. The port, Romania's largest, was evacuated as a precaution, and residents were advised to avoid the coastal area. Authorities deployed helicopters to search for additional drones, with over 1,300 people evacuated from nearby beaches.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the war in Ukraine is increasingly becoming a direct threat to Eastern European countries. Romania, a NATO and EU member, has reported numerous airspace breaches since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions, with Russia intensifying its aerial campaign against Ukraine and Ukraine striking a Russian oil terminal in St. Petersburg.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan emphasized the need for heightened vigilance due to the ongoing conflict on its border. The Romanian Defence Ministry stated that the situation remains dynamic, with further updates expected as information becomes available.