Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1696: Romania blames Russia for drone attacks on ships off its coast and calls for a joint NATO Black Sea command

Day 1696 of the Russo-Ukrainian War sees Romania accusing Russia of drone attacks on ships off its coastline. Romania is calling for NATO to establish a joint Black Sea command, with Romania ready to host it from 2028.

Russia's latest tactic involves sinking civilian ships in the Black Sea, escalating the conflict Ukraine sparked earlier this summer. The Ukrainian and Russian governments are locked in a standoff over airspace safety, with Russia temporarily restricting operations at 27 airports amid a surge in drone attacks. Ukraine has ramped up its defenses, stringing over 1,000 kilometers of road as part of a new defensive strategy through 2028.

Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, Drapatyi, is prioritizing soldiers' lives and real battlefield needs, a shift in approach underlined by the defense minister. Ukraine's shell factories have outpaced state orders, leaving six factories to meet demand. Ukrainian defense companies have built private plants under fire, without state investment, according to their chief.

Meanwhile, Russia pays people to film its Geran attack drones hitting Ukrainian targets, likely testing optical target-recognition systems. A US official denies Washington had anything to do with recent Starlink service restrictions imposed on Ukraine, stating the administration was unaware of the decision. Meanwhile, Germany questions the US about the limits on Ukraine's military satellite services.

Belgium has announced plans to triple F-16 deliveries to Ukraine, pledging ten jets by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Poland is reportedly providing secret military aid to Ukraine amid shortages in air defense systems. The United States has faced bipartisan backlash over a diesel deal, with lawmakers arguing it could force Russia's President Putin to negotiate peace talks.

In other news, Romania holds Russia accountable for the drone attacks on ships off its coast and seeks a joint NATO Black Sea command. Two tankers burn off Romania's Sulina, with seven crew members still missing after a chemical tanker caught fire. The conflict has disrupted energy production in Russia, with Ukrainian grid operator Ukrenergo starting work on workarounds as drones cut down energy towers.