Romanian parliament’s new law, which permits the military to shoot down Russian drones flying over its territory, may have averted an armed conflict with Moscow after recent drone strikes came dangerously close to its border with Ukraine. The law, signed into effect in February by President Ilie Bolojan, was a direct response to the spillover of Russian drone attacks over Romanian territory and has reportedly deterred Moscow from crossing into its airspace. According to Romanian defense sources, the new legislation has kept Russia at bay, preventing the possibility of a direct military confrontation that could trigger NATO’s collective defense mechanism under Article 5.
Recent attacks on Ukraine, including the use of Shahed kamikaze drones, came perilously close to Romania’s border, prompting the deployment of F-16 aircraft by Bucharest for monitoring purposes. Despite the close calls, no unauthorized drones were reported entering Romanian airspace. One defense official told Fox News Digital, “They know we passed this law, and in the last two months they have avoided crossing into our airspace.” This suggests that Moscow may be reconsidering its strategies, taking into account Romania’s legal stance and the potential repercussions of engaging in direct military action with a NATO ally.
The incident highlights the broader trend of eastern European countries fortifying their defenses against Russian aggression. Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, for example, have all taken measures to enhance their security, including withdrawing from certain international treaties that limited the use of landmines in defense strategies. Lithuania has also recently petitioned NATO for improved air defenses after a Russian drone carrying explosives entered its territory, a move that foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys described as a matter of “NATO airspace and security.” This collective effort underscores the growing concern across the region about maintaining a strong defense posture in the face of ongoing threats.
While Romania’s law appears to have successfully prevented a direct escalation, it also raises questions about the broader implications of such actions. The potential for a direct military response by a NATO member state could result in an expanded conflict, complicating the already precarious situation in the region. As eastern European nations continue to bolster their defenses, the situation remains highly sensitive and politically charged, with the risk of further military involvement escalating tensions along the border.