Ukrainian sea drones trigger apologies and security alerts in Greece and Romania

Ukraine formally apologized to Greece after an unmanned surface vessel was recovered near the island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. The Ukrainian foreign ministry said the incident was “the result of circumstances caused by the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine,” and thanked Athens for its support. Greek officials had lodged diplomatic protests, warning that any extension of military operations into the Mediterranean “will not be tolerated” and highlighting the risk to civilian shipping.

A similar Ukrainian sea drone later drifted into the Black Sea and exploded in the port of Constanța, Romania. Ukraine’s navy confirmed the drone lost control after Russian electronic‑warfare jamming and detonated harmlessly, prompting the evacuation of thousands of beach‑goers and the temporary closure of the port. Romanian authorities activated security measures, and NATO officials cited the incident as a direct consequence of the Russia‑Ukraine war spilling over into neighboring waters.

Both episodes underscore the broader maritime security threat posed by the conflict, with Greece and Romania demanding clearer safeguards to prevent further incursions and potential civilian casualties.