Residents of Romania near the Ukrainian border are in a state of anxiety due to the increase in Russian drone attacks. In the town of Izakcea, located in Tulcea County in eastern Romania, residents wake up to the sound of alarms and explosions. Robert Marian, a 48-year-old resident of the area, says: "There are alarms that inform us that something is coming. This happened two or three weeks ago. I was sleeping at midnight, and the sound of explosions scared me. I quickly ran out of the house."
Increase in Attacks and Security Threats
As the war in Ukraine continues, the number of drone incursions into Romanian airspace has significantly increased. Explosions on the other side of the Danube River remind us of the proximity of the war to NATO territory. Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced on September 1 that a border crossing with Romania had been deliberately damaged. On the same day, Romanian customs announced that activities at the Izakcea-Ourlika crossing had been temporarily halted.
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Feelings of Fear and Anxiety Among Residents
Alina Mihail, another resident of Izakcea, says that when she hears drone alarms and explosions, she feels sick. She said: "I have many nights where I can’t sleep anymore. My husband and I live in fear." Data from Romania's National Defense Ministry shows that this year, the number of drone incursions has tripled compared to the entire year of 2022. The number of attacks near the border has reached 73, and 56 military aircraft are on standby for "monitoring and managing the situation."
In May, a drone injured a mother and child when it crashed into an apartment block in the city of Galați. Additionally, a drone that entered Romania from Moldova was tracked through several counties before returning to Moldova and crashing in a sunflower field. Moscow has denied sending combat drones into Romanian territory.
NATO's Response and Threat Assessment
The increase in drone threats has led Romania, as a NATO member, to shoot down four drones this year. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted on September 2 that "Russia has become increasingly reckless" and added: "We are witnessing an increase in the number of drones and missiles in our airspace. The threats from Russia are clear."
Romania's Defense Minister, Radu Mircea, stated that Russia is considered a "major and significant threat" to the eastern border and Romania in national and NATO assessments. He emphasized that Romania is discussing the necessary capabilities to counter this common threat. Mircea also clarified that about 1,000 American troops are stationed in Romania, a number that has increased following the rotation of American forces last year.
The Romanian Defense Minister acknowledged that the current threat to the country is unique, as Russia conducts repeated attacks on Ukrainian Danube ports, which are very close to the countries' natural border. He added: "As soon as you cross the border, the distance is just a few dozen meters, leaving very little time for response."
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Source: abcnews.com
