Russia steps up cross-border drone incursions and sabotage, prompting NATO alerts in Central Europe
Poland, Romania and Moldova reported multiple Russian drone violations and related incidents this week, leading to NATO interceptions and heightened warnings of an intensified Russian hybrid campaign.
Russia's aerial incursions into the airspace of several Central and Eastern European states have increased sharply, with multiple drone violations reported in Poland, Romania and Moldova over the past week. Moldova recorded four drones entering its airspace, two of which detonated on its territory and a third was recovered, prompting a temporary closure of northern airspace. Romania experienced two drone breaches, one of which crashed near Solca, leading to the shutdown of a nearby border crossing and the scrambling of NATO aircraft over the Danube Delta.
Poland also faced several incidents: NATO fighter jets were dispatched twice after Russian attacks near the Ukrainian border, a fire broke out at a Starlink ground station south of Warsaw, and a Russian Mi-8 helicopter entered Polish airspace for 42 seconds, according to the Polish military.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia is refining its pressure tactics and urged preparedness, while Moldovan President Maia Sandu described the war as a danger to all of Europe and reaffirmed support for Ukraine. Romania’s president, Nicolae Dănuț, reiterated the country's commitment to Ukraine and noted repeated airspace violations.
In addition to the incidents near Ukraine, a Spanish newspaper cited a CIA report suggesting Russia could plan drone attacks on Italy, France and Spain from the Mediterranean, a claim French President Emmanuel Macron said was plausible but unconfirmed. Danish Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus warned that Russia is expected to intensify its hybrid operations against the West and NATO in the coming months.