Romanian Port of Constanta Drone Explosion Highlights Russian Jamming Threat

A Ukrainian maritime drone detonated in the Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday after being diverted by Russian electronic jamming. The self‑destruction caused no injuries, but authorities evacuated about a thousand people, sealed the area and deployed helicopters to confirm the safety of the coastline.

Romanian defence officials confirmed the device was not part of Romania’s arsenal and that four Ukrainian drones had been lost control in the region, with two exploding near Constanta and two others detonating farther inland. The incident follows a recent Russian‑origin drone strike on a building in Galati that injured a teenager and her mother. Romanian President Nicusor Dan and NATO leaders have condemned the escalation, noting the growing risk to NATO’s eastern flank.

Ukraine acknowledged the loss of the drone and said it warned Romanian authorities in time to prevent civilian casualties. The episode underscores the vulnerability of Black Sea infrastructure to electronic warfare and the broader security challenges facing NATO and EU members bordering the conflict.