Romania has requested Ukraine program naval drones to self-destruct if they approach its territorial waters, following a drone explosion in Constanta on June 5. Kyiv attributed the incident to Russian electronic interference.
The proposal highlights the risks of drone warfare spilling over into NATO territory and underscores the ongoing security challenges in the Black Sea region amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Romania's Defense Minister Radu Miruta has proposed that Ukraine program its naval drones to self-destruct if they drift toward Romanian territorial waters, aiming to prevent future incidents. The suggestion comes after a Ukrainian drone exploded in the Romanian Black Sea Port of Constanta on June 5, with Kyiv attributing the event to Russian electronic interference.
Miruta stated that Ukrainian drones should be programmed to detonate 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) away from Romania's territorial waters to ensure safety. He noted that an investigation into the Constanta incident is ongoing, and Bucharest has submitted questions to Kyiv for clarification, including details on when control of the drone was lost and its explosive payload.
This incident follows similar cases where Ukrainian aerial and naval drones have strayed into the territory of other NATO member states, such as Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Greece, during strikes against Russia. While Kyiv has apologized for such occurrences, it points to Russia's aggression as the primary cause. Notably, Russian drones have also repeatedly crashed in NATO countries, including a Shahed-type drone that hit a residential building in Galati, Romania, on May 29, injuring two people.
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