NATO states scramble jets after Russian drone violates airspace

Kyiv: Following fresh Russian drone attacks, NATO member states Romania and Poland scrambled their fighter jets in response.

Romania’s Ministry of Defense reported that a Russian drone violated the country’s airspace, prompting two F-16 fighter jets to be placed on alert. The drone was tracked by radar but later disappeared near the village of Chilia Veche.

Poland also announced that Russian drone strikes occurred near the Ukrainian border, leading to the deployment of helicopters and fighter jets by Poland and its allies.

According to the country’s military command, the air defense systems and radar were raised to the highest level of alert. However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk later stated that the high alert status had been lifted, though remaining vigilant was still necessary.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is deliberately expanding its drone operations and urged the West to respond with tougher sanctions and increased defense support.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented, saying he is ready to impose large-scale sanctions on Russia — but only if all NATO countries agree to stop purchasing Russian oil.