Romania briefs NATO on drone incidents near Black Sea coast
Romania's Foreign Ministry informed NATO allies on Thursday about drone incidents that occurred near the country's Black Sea coast, while a Romanian F-16 destroyed a sea drone that turned out not to be Ukrainian.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu said on X on Thursday, August 20, that the country's foreign ministry had informed NATO allies about drone incidents that took place the same day, according to Ukrainska Pravda's European Pravda.
The minister stressed that Romania's foreign ministry continues to highlight the critical importance of protecting maritime infrastructure in the Black Sea. She said Russia's war against Ukraine threatens the overall security of the Black Sea region, which she described as a violation of Russia's obligations under international law and international conventions concerning the Black Sea.
"We informed our NATO allies about today's drone incidents. Romania and its allies will continue to ensure the protection of allied territory and national sovereignty in the air, on water, and on our territory," Țoiu said.
She added that due to rising risks, Romania and its regional NATO partners have expanded cooperation in the Black Sea, including mine-clearing operations and the protection of maritime infrastructure. Romania has also presented EU institutions with a final concept for a future EU Maritime Security Centre in the Black Sea, one of two headquarters of which will be located in Constanța.
Also on Thursday, a Romanian F-16 fighter jet successfully destroyed a sea drone near the coast of Constanța. Romania's Ministry of Defence later said the destroyed drone was not Ukrainian. It was also reported that another drone had crashed in an uninhabited area of Romanian territory.
