Romanian border residents fear fallout as frequency of drone alerts rises

Residents of the Romanian border town of Isaccea live in constant fear as the frequency of drone alerts and subsequent blasts rises. The alerts, which warn of incoming drones, are followed by loud explosions. Robert Marian, a 48-year-old resident, recounted being woken up by one such alert, with two different levels of intensity.

The increase in drone incursions into Romania's airspace comes as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. Romania has seen a threefold rise in drone breaches this year compared to the whole of 2025, with 27 incidents compared to just 9 in the previous year. Additionally, more than double the number of drones and drone debris have been found on Romanian soil.

These incursions have raised concerns, as they bring war to NATO territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that a Ukrainian border crossing with Romania had been deliberately damaged, along with export infrastructure. As a result, Romanian customs temporarily suspended activity at the Isaccea-Orlivka crossing.

The danger posed by these drone incursions has prompted Romania to shoot down four drones this year, the first time since the war began. NATO countries across Europe have accused Russia of being behind these actions, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte describing Russia as "growing increasingly reckless."

Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta emphasized that Russia is considered a "primary, significant threat" to the eastern flank, including Romania, in both the National Defense Strategy and NATO assessments. The eastern flank is described as "highly fluid," with discussions ongoing regarding NATO's Article 5 and the capabilities needed to counter the common threat.