Romania Drone Blast Underscores Russian Threat to EU’s Eastern Flank

On Friday a naval drone exploded at the Constanța port on Romania’s Black Sea coast, near an oil terminal. The device was not part of the Romanian armed forces and caused no injuries, but it heightened safety concerns in the region.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the incident is a direct result of Russia’s war in Ukraine and warned that the conflict threatens all EU countries with eastern borders. She expressed full solidarity with Romania and other member states facing similar risks. European Council President Antonio Costa also condemned the repeated violations of member‑state airspace and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to security on its eastern flank. Romanian authorities noted a rapid police and security response, stressing the priority of protecting lives and port infrastructure.