AI Generated Image
Nato jet destroys drone 'loaded with explosives' metres from Black Sea gas project as 'irresponsible' Russia slammed
the-sun.com • • world
Key Points:
- NATO scrambled Romanian F-16 jets to destroy a marine drone loaded with explosives near the Neptun Deep gas platform in the Black Sea, with officials accusing Russia of orchestrating the threat.
- The drone approached within a few hundred meters of the offshore platform, which is expected to make Romania the EU's largest gas producer by 2027, prompting urgent interception to protect hundreds of workers.
- Romanian President Nicusor Dan condemned the incident, blaming Russia for escalating irresponsible actions, while NATO allies Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey have expanded joint patrols to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
- The incident follows ongoing security challenges in the Black Sea region, including previous drone incursions and mine neutralizations, amid heightened tensions linked to the Ukraine war.
- European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen criticized a "hybrid warfare" campaign destabilizing the EU, calling for strengthened defense measures without directly naming Russia.
