Russian drones attack ships in Romanian waters, NATO country

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 19:08 · Archive

Suspected Russian drones have attacked chemical tankers near Romania's Black Sea coast, with at least one struck in NATO member state's territorial waters.

Suspected Russian drones attacked two chemical tankers near Romania's Black Sea coast on 14 and 15 October. The Comoros-flagged Yara J was struck within Romanian territorial waters with all crew rescued. The San Marino-flagged Wine Trader was hit one mile outside territorial waters, with five crew rescued but seven reported missing, according to Reuters. Both vessels were anchored near the mouth of the Sulina canal, a crucial shipping route for Ukrainian exports.

Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta said F-16 fighter jets shot down two drones over Romanian territorial waters, with the first entering airspace at 17:59 and destroyed within two minutes, and the second shot down five minutes after entering airspace at 18:05. Miruta did not specify the country of origin, though a NATO source cited by Reuters attributed the attacks to Russia.

The attacks represent a significant escalation, marking the first time suspected Russian drones have struck within a NATO member's territorial waters. At least seven ships have been attacked in the exclusive economic zones of NATO countries. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on 15 October that NATO had increased counter-drone capabilities along its eastern flank following meetings with Bulgarian and Romanian leaders. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said NATO would discuss the issue at a North Atlantic Council meeting on Tuesday.

How it is being reported

• Romanian fighter jets shoot down 2 drones over Black SeaRomanian Air Force F-16s shot down drones over Romanian territorial waters. Earlier this week, two chemical tankers were hit by drones near Romania's Black Sea coast.DW News · 17 Oct, 18:51
• Black Sea drone attacks enter NATO country's territorial waters for first timeSuspected Russian drones attack chemical tanker within Romanian waters.Ars Technica · 15 Oct, 19:48

In this story: Romania · Russia · NATO · Black Sea · Ukraine · Radu Miruta · Mark Rutte

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log