Drone Strikes Escalate Tensions in Eastern Europe

Russian drones struck port infrastructure in southern Ukraine, with incidents also affecting Moldova and Romania. Moldova reported drones exploding on its land, while Romania suspected an airspace breach. Ukraine countered by shooting down 85 drones. Russia denies targeting civilians.

Russian drone attacks have damaged port infrastructure in Ukraine's southern region, exacerbating tensions across Eastern Europe. Both Moldova and NATO member Romania reported breaches of their airspace, with Moldova confirming two drone explosions on its territory.

In Ukraine, the Kyiv government accused Moscow of deploying 140 drones overnight, injuring one person in the Odesa region along the strategically significant Danube River. Emergency services circulated images of a fire at an undisclosed location, emphasizing the potential threat to civilian safety.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the violation of its airspace, highlighting the risk posed to its citizens. The Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted 85 drones, while 52 others were diverted. Despite these tensions, Russia maintains that it does not target civilian infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)