Key facts
- Ukraine and Romania have established a direct line of communication.
- The communication line was created to expedite responses to drone incursions.
- A Russian Shahed-type drone struck a residential building in Galati, Romania, on May 29, injuring two people.
- A Ukrainian naval drone exploded in Romania's Black Sea Port of Constanta on June 5.
- Romania's Defense Ministry is investigating the drone incidents.
Ukraine and Romania have established a direct line of communication following a Russian drone strike on Romanian territory, aiming to prevent future incursions. Romanian President Nicusor Dan announced the initiative, stating that the new channel will allow for quicker decision-making in similar situations.
The move comes after a Russian Geran-2 (Shahed-type) drone struck a residential building in the eastern Romanian city of Galati on May 29, injuring two people. Romania's Defense Ministry confirmed the drone's identity based on evidence recovered from the scene. Earlier, on May 31, the ministry had stated the weapon was structurally and functionally identical to those used in previous Geran-2 drone incidents.
Additionally, on June 5, a stray Ukrainian naval drone exploded in the Romanian Black Sea Port of Constanta. Ukraine attributed the incident to electronic interference causing the vessel to drift. In response to these events, Romania's Defense Minister Radu Miruta proposed that Kyiv program its drones to self-destruct if they lose control and head towards Romanian waters.