Russian Drone Enters Romanian Airspace During Attack on Ukraine

Romania scrambled F-16 jets after a drone briefly crossed into its territory near the Kiliia region during a massive overnight Russian assault on Ukrainian port infrastructure. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied An Iranian-designed Shahed 136, (Geranium-2) drone used by Russian Army flying over Kyiv during a Russian drones and missiles attack, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The Romanian Ministry of National Defense confirmed that a Russian drone briefly entered Romania’s airspace early Saturday morning, May 2, Digi24 reported. The intrusion occurred as Russian forces launched a coordinated strike on civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine, specifically focusing on the Izmail district near the Danube river border. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Romanian radar systems detected a group of 20 drones moving toward the Izmail area. In response, two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled from the 86th Airbase in Fetesti at approximately 02:00 to monitor the situation. National authorities issued RO-Alert notifications to residents in the northern Tulcea county at 02:03 to warn of potential falling objects. According to the defense ministry, the drone crossed into Romanian territory in the Kiliia area before continuing back toward Izmail. Numerous explosions were reported on the Ukrainian side of the Danube before the air raid alert was lifted at 02:50. Romanian officials confirmed they are in constant contact with NATO structures to provide real-time updates on these border incidents. This incursion was part of a larger Russian campaign involving 163 drones launched against Ukraine overnight . While Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 142 targets, 17 drones struck 12 locations, including port infrastructure in the Odesa region. This marks the second major spillover into Romania in recent weeks. On April 25, Russian drone debris damaged a farm building and an electrical pole in the Galati region , prompting a strong condemnation from Bucharest regarding Russia’s “disrespect for international law” and the threat to NATO’s collective security. Other Topics of Interest ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 1, 2026 Latest from the Institute for the Study of War. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Kyiv Post Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.