Overview
- A marine drone detonated in the port of Constanța after authorities evacuated the area and activated a red intervention plan, and officials report no indications of victims.
- The Ministry of National Defence said the device resembles drones used in the Ukraine war and the Constanța Court of Appeal Prosecutor's Office has opened a criminal investigation.
- Russia's ambassador publicly blamed Ukraine for the incident while Romanian authorities have not made a public attribution and some media reports of three explosive-laden boats off the coast remain unconfirmed.
- EU leaders expressed solidarity with Romania and urged faster investment in anti-drone systems and air-defence capabilities to protect ports, civilian shipping and coastal communities.
- The episode follows recent drone attacks in Romania and highlights risks of the Ukraine war spilling into NATO waters, with potential impacts on port operations, local evacuations and regional security planning.