The EU summoned Russia's envoy to Brussels after a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace, an act Kaja Kallas' office condemned as intentional. Officials described the incursion as a "serious, serious escalation" that threatens EU security and regional stability. Kallas has proposed new sanctions for member-state approval, also tied to a Russian strike that damaged the Latvian honorary consulate. The EU expressed full solidarity with Romania and Latvia.
EU Summons Russian Envoy Over Drone Incursion Into Romanian Airspace — Kallas Proposes New Sanctions
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, gives an interview ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council in Brussels. The ministers are set to discuss the situation in the Near and Middle East and Ukraine. (is associated with: «EU summoned Russian envoy over Romanian airspace incursion») Michael Brandt/dpa
The European Union summoned Russia's diplomatic envoy to Brussels this week after a Russian drone crossed into Romanian airspace last week, prompting a formal protest from the office of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
"We conveyed our strong condemnation of the intentional violation of the airspace of Romania," a spokesman for Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday, calling the incident a "reckless act" and "a serious, serious escalation" that threatens the security of EU citizens, regional stability and international peace.
Romania shares a roughly 600-kilometre border with Ukraine, a country that has been resisting a Russian invasion for more than four years. The incursion has raised concerns in Brussels about cross-border spillover from the conflict in Ukraine.
Kallas has proposed additional sanctions for approval by EU member states in response to the airspace violation, and these measures are also linked to a separate Russian strike that damaged the Latvian honorary consulate in eastern Ukraine.
"Romania and Latvia have our full solidarity and support," the spokesman added.
Why It Matters
The diplomatic summons and proposed sanctions underscore growing EU alarm over violations of member-state airspace and a willingness to consider tougher measures. EU ministers will weigh Kallas's proposals at the next appropriate meeting of member states.
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