WW3 fears as NATO fighter jets scrambled after Russian drones violate airspace | World | News

A Russian drone has violated NATO airspace while launching strikes against Ukraine – prompting fears of an escalation in the conflict.

On Sunday, Romania’s Ministry of Defence claimed the drone had entered the country’s airspace during attacks on ‘civilian targets and port infrastructure’ on the River Danube.

In response, Romania – a NATO member since 2004 – launched F-16 warplanes to monitor its airspace, with emergency alerts also sent to people living in two of the country’s eastern regions.

Preliminary information suggested there may be an “impact zone” in an uninhabited area near the Romanian village of Periprava and an investigation is underway.

Mircea Geoana, NATO’s outgoing deputy secretary-general and Romania’s former top diplomat, said the military alliance condemned Russia’s violation of Romanian airspace.

He added: “While we have no information indicating an intentional attack by Russia against Allies, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous.”

Russian drone fragments have been found on Romanian territory several times since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of its smaller neighbour in February 2022.

In a separate incident this weekend, Latvia – another NATO ally – confirmed a Russian drone fell on Saturday near the town of Rezekne.

It is thought that drone had strayed from Belarus, a key Russian ally controlled by dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

While much of the fighting on the ground takes place in eastern Ukraine, Russia launches drone and missile strikes at targets across the country.

Poland, which also shares a border with Ukraine, has previously scrambled jets after Russian strikes on Lviv and other targets in western Ukraine.

NATO is keen to avoid the war escalating further, with this being a key factor in many western nations not allowing Ukraine to use weapons they have supplied to target facilities deep within Russia itself.