Romanian President says Ukrainian drone boat exploded in Constanta port

Romanian President Nicușor Dan confirmed that an unmanned boat that detonated in the port of Constanța was of Ukrainian origin. The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time, caused no casualties, and the area had been secured beforehand by Romanian intelligence, coast guard and defence forces.

Russian foreign‑ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reacted on Telegram, asking the Romanian foreign ministry when it plans to close the Ukrainian mission or expel its diplomats, demanding an apology to Romanian citizens and accusing Romania of supporting “the terrorist regime in Kyiv”. Romania’s defence ministry said the craft is the type used in the war in Ukraine and is not part of the Romanian armed forces, noting that similar maritime drones have been found near the port, including four additional ones.

The incident adds diplomatic friction among Romania, Ukraine and Russia, with Russia pressing Romania over its handling of the Ukrainian diplomatic presence.