Drone incident in Romania, EU warns of "hybrid warfare"

2026-08-21 08:17:52Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Drone incident in Romania, EU warns of "hybrid warfare"

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union must build "capacity to deter provocations and aggression" after Romania destroyed a naval drone packed with explosives near a gas platform in the Black Sea.

Von der Leyen described the event as part of an "escalating campaign of threats" aimed at disturbing citizens and dividing the Union, calling it "hybrid warfare."

Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruță explained that the drone was spotted a few hundred meters from the Neptun Deep platform, located in the country's exclusive economic zone, about 80 nautical miles east of Constanta.

The Coast Guard notified the ministry, which set up a command cell and requested support from NATO before two F-16 fighter jets were ordered to destroy the drone.

Romania's President, Nicușor Dan, condemned what he called an intensification of "irresponsible incidents" by Russia.

The incident occurred near one of Romania's most important energy projects, Neptun Deep, which is expected to be a major potential source of gas.

Von der Leyen used the occasion to promote the Eastern Flank Watch initiative, as a mechanism for "scaling up production in Europe and providing the capabilities that member states need."


Video