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Russia narrowly avoided a potential conflict with Romania, a member of the NATO alliance, when it struck a gas distribution center just a half mile from the Romanian border.
Romanian defense officials credit a new law that permits their armed forces to shoot down Russian drones flying over their territory for deterring the Kremlin from encroaching on Romanian land.
Russia conducted drone strikes on a gas distribution center in Ukraine’s Ismail Area using Shahed kamikaze drones on Tuesday and Wednesday, prompting Bucharest to deploy F-16 aircraft to monitor the situation due to the proximity to Romania’s border. No unauthorized intrusions were reported.
“They are aware that we passed this law, and in the last two months, they have refrained from violating our airspace,” a Romanian defense source informed Fox News Digital.
Flames and smoke in Ukraine visible from Romania amid ongoing conflict with Russia. (East2West news)
NATO JETS SCRAMBLED AMID RUSSIA’S LARGEST DRONE ATTACK ON UKRAINE
Ilie Bolojan, Romania’s then-acting president, signed the law in response to Russian drones intruding into Romanian airspace during attacks on Ukraine.
The law specifies that Romanian authorities must identify the drone, attempt communication, issue warnings, and only shoot down the drone if necessary.
Romania shares a 380-mile border with Ukraine, but there is currently no evidence of deliberate targeting by Moscow.
Ukraine typically receives gas through the Orlovka gas distribution center in Izmail from Greece, Turkey, and Romania.
Russian drones flying dangerously close to Romanian territory in Izmail, Ukraine. (Reuters )
Russia using Iranian Shahed drones in attacks on Ukraine. (Getty Images )
RUSSIA LAUNCHED ITS LARGEST AERIAL ATTACK OF THE WAR, UKRAINE SAYS
If Russia had crossed into Romanian territory and faced retaliation, there was a risk of escalating tensions that could draw a NATO member state into the conflict.
NATO allies adhere to Article 5, a mutual defense pact that obligates members to come to each other’s aid in the event of an attack.
Recently, drones believed to be from Belarus, a Russian ally, landed in Lithuanian territory.
Other Eastern European countries like Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have implemented new measures to secure their borders from potential threats posed by Russia. Earlier this year, they withdrew from an international landmine treaty due to humanitarian concerns.
This week, Lithuania requested NATO assistance to bolster its air defenses after a Russian drone carrying explosives entered its airspace.
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“This is not just about Lithuanian security, but also NATO and EU security,” stated foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys.
