Romania reports Russian drone violation of airspace during Ukraine attacks

On a recent Sunday, two NATO member countries, Romania and Latvia, reported violations of their airspace by Russian drones amid ongoing attacks on Ukraine. Romania's Ministry of National Defense confirmed that a drone entered its territory during nighttime strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Investigations are underway to assess the potential impact zone along the Romanian-Ukrainian border, highlighting the risks posed by the conflict spilling over into neighboring countries. In Latvia, Defense Minister Andris Sprūds announced that a Russian drone crashed near Rezekne, likely having strayed from Belarus. Although this incident was deemed rare, it underscores the persistent threat of drone incursions in the region. Both countries emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting these incidents were intentional attacks against NATO allies, but they are viewed as irresponsible actions that could escalate tensions. Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, remarked that these incursions serve as a reminder of Russia's aggressive actions beyond Ukraine's borders. They called for a collective response from NATO allies to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression, emphasizing the need to protect lives and maintain peace in Europe. Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine remains dire, with reports of civilian casualties from Russian airstrikes in cities like Sumy and Donetsk. The ongoing conflict continues to threaten regional stability, prompting discussions among European leaders about the potential for future peace talks involving Russia, despite its absence from recent negotiations.