NATO must have a “robust and coordinated” response to incidents in which Russian missiles or drones fired at Ukraine enter the military alliance’s airspace, Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar said on Wednesday, Reuters reports.
The states on NATO’s eastern flank, whose defense ministers met in Bucharest on Wednesday, have repeatedly stated that Russia’s activities in the Black Sea region and beyond are a source of deep concern.
In early September, NATO states Romania and Latvia saw Russian drones crash after violating their airspace, prompting official calls for joint action measures to counter Russian air incursions.
Last week, Ukraine accused Russia of using strategic bombers to hit a civilian grain ship in a missile attack in Black Sea waters near Romania, further escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance.
“The B9 states are deeply concerned about the repeated incursions of Russian drones and missiles into NATO airspace, in Poland, Romania, Latvia, as well as the escalation of tensions along NATO’s eastern flank,” Tîlvar told reporters, referring to to the regional grouping of NATO members. In early September, NATO states Romania and Latvia saw Russian drones crash after violating their airspace, prompting official calls for joint action measures to counter the air incursions Russia.
“Therefore, a robust and coordinated response at the allied level is needed, as well as the application as soon as possible of the rotating model of integrated air and anti-missile defense,” the Romanian DefMin added.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski said a meeting of NATO defense ministers in October would have to address the destruction of drones entering the allies’ airspace. “We have confirmed hybrid attacks on allies, as well as Belarus’ participation in Russia’s actions,” Zalewski added.