In a troubling development, NATO member Romania has reported the discovery of new fragments of a drone believed to be similar to those used by the Russian army near its border with Ukraine. This marks the third such finding in just one week, raising concerns about the escalating tensions in the region.

According to defence and NATO officials, two helicopters from the Romanian Air Force were immediately deployed to the areas of Nufaru and Victoria in Tulcea, where the fragments were found spread over several tens of meters.

The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the samples collected from the site were indeed similar to those used by the Russian army. To address the growing threat, Romania has notified the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations about areas near the border that could potentially be at risk of incidents as Russian forces continue to attack Ukraine's Danube River ports across the river from Romania.

Additionally, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its firm protest against the violation of Romania's airspace and has summoned the head of Russia's diplomatic mission. As a NATO member, Romania is a party to NATO's mutual defense agreement.

While NATO spokesperson Dylan White stated that they have no information indicating any intentional attack by Russia against Allied territory, the repeated appearance of Russian-style drones on Romanian soil is deeply concerning.

The recent findings come amid sustained attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine's Danube ports, aimed at disrupting Ukraine's ability to export grain to world markets. In response to these attacks, Romania's defense ministry has erected prefabricated concrete shelters in the Danube village of Plauru, opposite Ukraine's Danube port of Izmail, to protect its residents. Despite the mounting evidence, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu maintains that Romania has not been attacked and that the fragments observed were a result of drones hit by the Ukrainian army.

However, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the unacceptable violation of Romania's sovereign airspace and the risks it poses to the security of Romanian citizens. The situation remains tense, and it remains to be seen how Romania and NATO will respond to these repeated incursions. The discovery of these drone fragments underscores the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts to address the escalating tensions in the region.