Romania summons Russian ambassador over drone 'threat'

Romania on Sunday strongly condemned the entry of a Russian drone into its airspace during an attack on neighbouring Ukraine, with the foreign ministry summoning Moscow's ambassador over the incident.

The incursion comes days after fellow NATO member Poland said it had shot down Russian drones which had violated its airspace as Moscow launched a barrage against Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of "testing" Romania and wanting to "bring the war" to Poland and the Baltic with the intrusions.

Earlier on Sunday, NATO member Romania had said that Moscow's actions pose a "new challenge" to Black Sea security.

Foreign Minister Oana Toiu also announced that Russia's ambassador to Bucharest, Vladimir Lipaev, would be summoned over Saturday's drone incident to the ministry.

After the meeting on Sunday evening, the ministry said in a statement that Romania had "conveyed its strong protest against this unacceptable and irresponsible act, which constitutes a violation of (its) sovereignty".

"Such recurring incidents contribute to the escalation and amplification of threats to regional security," said the statement, adding that Moscow was "urgently requested... to prevent any future violations".

Poland had already denounced the intrusion of Russian drones into its airspace, calling on Moscow to avoid further "provocations". Polish fighter jets scrambled Saturday in response to fresh Russian drone strikes just over the border in Ukraine.

New security challenge

Romania has had several drone fragments crash on its territory since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine, especially as Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian ports.

In a statement, Romania's defence ministry said it "strongly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area".