NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the downed unmanned aerial vehicle debris over Romania an irresponsible action by the Russian Federation. He spoke about the incident during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev, according to RIA News.
Stoltenberg emphasized that there is no confirmation that the event resulted from a deliberate strike by Russia against a NATO ally. His assessment reflected the alliance’s cautious approach while underscoring the gravity of Russia’s aggressive moves at NATO borders.
He warned that Russia’s provocative actions near Romania are destabilizing and unacceptable, noting that the alliance will respond to any threat with resolve.
In his remarks, Stoltenberg asserted that no member should doubt NATO’s ability to defend all allies. He added that NATO has strengthened its eastern presence, including in Romania, deploying more forces and conducting enhanced air patrols to deter potential aggression.
Stoltenberg also stated that NATO continues to monitor the evolving situation as it develops.
Romanian Defense Minister Angel Teodorovics stated in September that wreckage from Russian unmanned aerial vehicles had probably been found on Romanian territory, a development that has drawn heightened attention from regional and international security observers. [Source: NATO briefing, official transcripts]
Earlier reports indicated that fragments of a Soviet-era S-200 missile, shot down in the Kaluga region, were discovered near a private residence in another context of regional military activity, illustrating ongoing vigilance along borders and in neighboring airspaces. [Source: regional security summaries]