Overview

• Romania’s defense ministry said two F-16s intercepted a low‑flying drone that entered national airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine and tracked it for about 50 minutes before it exited near Pardina, with no injuries or damage reported.
• Pilots were authorized to shoot but held fire after assessing collateral risk, German Eurofighters supported the mission, Tulcea residents were warned to shelter, and teams were sent to look for possible debris.
• Poland deployed jets and raised air defenses to the highest readiness on Saturday but reported no new airspace violations after last week’s incursions that prompted Article 4 consultations.
• NATO leaders announced the Eastern Sentry initiative to reinforce the alliance’s eastern flank with additional allied aircraft and assets in the coming days.
• Ukraine and Russia exchanged large drone salvos, with Kyiv targeting Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery and both sides offering conflicting tallies; EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the Romanian breach, President Zelenskyy urged tougher measures, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is gathering facts before judging intent.