Romania destroys drone near offshore gas project, blames Russia
A Romanian F-16 fighter jet destroyed an explosive-laden marine drone near a Black Sea gas project. Romanian and European officials condemned the incident as an act of hybrid warfare by Russia.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the escalating security risks to critical infrastructure in the Black Sea region due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A Romanian F-16 fighter jet on Thursday (August 20, 2026) destroyed a marine drone near an offshore gas project, with Romania's President blaming Russia for the latest incident involving the NATO member bordering Ukraine.
Unauthorised drone activity has become increasingly frequent in recent months across eastern European countries as Ukraine fights off a Russian invasion launched in 2022, with both countries increasingly relying on drone warfare.
In the latest incident, the drone that was destroyed was "loaded with explosives" and did not originate from Ukraine, Defence Minister Radu Miruta said on Facebook.
"I strongly condemn the escalation of such irresponsible incidents on the part of the Russian Federation," Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on X.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also slammed "an escalating campaign of threats" against the bloc, "unsettling our citizens and seeking to divide our Union".
"This is hybrid warfare," she wrote on X.
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