For the first time, the Romanian Ministry of Defence officially confirms the use of NATO fighter jets to shoot down Russian drones over Odesa region. Russian military leaders respond with threats of attacks on Romania. The Alliance declares its full support for Bucharest's actions.
NATO officially deploys aviation to protect Ukraine
On the night of 25 April, Romanian Eurofighter Typhoon fighters by order of The Romanian Ministry of Defence has shot down Russian drones over Odesa region. A corresponding official statement was published on the website of the Romanian defence ministry.
This is the first time that a NATO member state has officially used combat aircraft to destroy Russian drones over Ukrainian territory. The Alliance reaffirmed its support for Romania and stressed its readiness to respond to security threats to its eastern flank.
Russian military commanders threaten Romania
After the incident, Russian war correspondents began to threaten Romania with massive drone attacks. On social media, they called NATO's actions a «declaration of war» against Russia.
Some Russian propagandists have said that strikes on Romanian infrastructure are possible in the near future. Official Moscow has not yet commented on the incident.
Reaction of NATO and Allies
NATO issued a statement of support for Romania's actions and stressed the need to protect the airspace of its member states and neighbouring Ukraine. The Alliance called on Russia to stop drone attacks near NATO borders.
Romania stressed that it is acting within the framework of international law and intends to protect its citizens and territorial integrity. Other allies expressed solidarity with Bucharest.
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