Romania on high alert as Russia threatens NATO base strikes

Russian insiders told Reuters that President Vladimir Putin is refusing peace talks and is considering expanding the war beyond Ukraine, including possible limited strikes on NATO bases in Romania and the Baltic states. Former defence ministry official Andrei Ilnitsky outlined this scenario, and military analyst Jack Watling warned such moves could create political chaos within the Alliance.

Romanian authorities responded to the heightened threat on the night of 11 July 2026 by issuing an air‑alert for the north of Tulcea County after radar detected several aerial targets near the border towns of Chilia and Ismail. The national air‑defence system was put on maximum alert and an IAR 330 Puma SOCAT helicopter was prepared for launch. No unauthorized incursions or impacts were reported and the situation stabilised within an hour.

The alerts underline the broader instability caused by the Ukraine war, which has seen increased Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and a corresponding rise in defensive measures by NATO’s eastern flank. Romanian officials emphasized coordination with NATO allies and the use of advanced technologies to protect the airspace.