Romania has reported a Russian drone in its airspace, marking the second NATO country to experience such an incursion. The drone was detected by F-16 fighter jets monitoring the border with Ukraine, specifically near the village of Chilia Veche, after the defense ministry noted Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. While the drone did not pose an immediate threat, the EU and Ukrainian President Zelensky have condemned the event as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty and an expansion of the war. Poland, in response to the ongoing concerns, has initiated preventative aviation operations and increased its air defense readiness, while the Czech Republic sent a special operations helicopter unit to Poland.
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In a recent escalation, Romanian forces shot down a Russian Shahed drone that entered its airspace from Ukraine’s Odesa region, prompting emergency alerts and the interception by F-16 fighter jets. Following this, Poland activated preventive aviation operations along its border with Ukraine in response to the drone threat. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incident as a calculated escalation, urging preventive action and stronger collective defense measures from NATO. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns about the escalatory risks of these incursions, specifically the possibility of these drones being intentionally targeted to cross into NATO territory.
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Alison Mutler is a British journalist with three decades of experience, having begun her career covering the anti-communist revolution in Romania for ITV. Following the fall of communism, she worked as a freelancer for various media outlets before becoming the chief correspondent for The Associated Press, covering Romania, Moldova, and occasionally Bulgaria for 25 years. She continues to contribute to Radio Free Europe, Coda Story, and Euronews, as well as to universul.net’s English section. Her Twitter handle is @AlisoNJMutler.
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Romania is planning to purchase the Iron Dome air defense system with the contract slated for signing in the autumn of 2025, as confirmed by Defence Minister Ionuț Moșteanu. This acquisition is part of a broader plan to bolster national security by protecting critical infrastructure and urban areas against short and very short-range missile threats. Military procurement already consumes nearly 30% of the national defence budget, with plans for further acquisitions including short-range missiles and corvettes. Furthermore, a new national defense strategy will be presented in 2025, which will include a Black Sea strategy that considers the importance of Turkey.
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Romania’s Acting President Ilie Bolojan recently enacted legislation granting the armed forces authority to shoot down unauthorized drones in Romanian airspace. This follows several incidents involving Russian drones illegally entering the country from Ukraine. The law, passed by Parliament in February 2025, was challenged unsuccessfully by far-right parties in the Constitutional Court. Its implementation aims to bolster Romania’s defense capabilities against such incursions.
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Nicusor Dan’s election as President of Romania marks a significant turning point, not just for the country, but potentially for the broader European landscape. His victory, achieved after a hard-fought campaign against a far-right opponent, is being celebrated as a rejection of pro-Putin, pro-Trump ideologies that have gained traction in other parts of Europe. The sheer relief palpable in celebratory comments highlights the anxieties many felt about the potential consequences of a different outcome.
The fact that Nicusor Dan is a mathematician with impressive credentials – a master’s degree from the École normale supérieure, a PhD from Paris 13 University, and two gold medals in the International Mathematical Olympiad – adds an intriguing dimension to his story.… Continue reading
Following a decisive first-round victory by a hard-right presidential candidate, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday. Ciolacu, leader of the ruling center-left Social Democratic Party (PSD), had served as prime minister since 2023. An interim prime minister is expected to be appointed Tuesday. This unexpected development adds to the political instability following the presidential election results.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the removal of Romania from its visa waiver program, effective immediately. This decision follows prior criticism from U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding last year’s canceled Romanian presidential election. While the DHS did not explicitly link the two, the timing and context suggest a connection, particularly given hard-right candidate George Simion’s prediction of reinstatement upon a “return to democracy.” The Romanian foreign ministry disputes the decision, asserting the country meets all visa waiver program requirements. The DHS statement leaves open the possibility of future reinstatement if Romania continues to meet the criteria.
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The Pentagon is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 US troops from Poland and Romania, reducing the current deployment of approximately 20,000. This potential drawdown, part of a broader shift towards focusing on China, has raised concerns among European allies about a diminished US commitment to European security. Such a move could embolden Russia and increase its regional influence. The proposal does not affect the smaller, rotational US troop deployments in the Baltic states.
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Dual US-UK citizens Andrew and Tristan Tate, facing multiple charges of human trafficking, rape, and tax evasion in Romania and the UK, have returned to Romania after a brief period in the US. Despite the ongoing investigations and a Romanian court order requiring their presence, the brothers claim their departure is not an evasion of justice. They maintain their innocence against all allegations, and a court hearing is scheduled for Monday. The brothers’ departure has raised concerns about potential political influence, though the US president denies any involvement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood