Ukrainian Maritime Drone Explodes at Romanian Black Sea Port
9 reported1 conflicting
A Ukrainian maritime drone exploded at the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, on Friday, while three other sea drones self-detonated outside the port, according to Romanian authorities. No one was hurt in the incident, which occurred at around 10:30 a.m. after the area had been secured and isolated by the Romanian Intelligence Service, coast guard, and the Defense Ministry. The Romanian government stated that Ukrainian counterparts confirmed they had lost control of the four drones, with two self-detonating offshore and a third outside the port. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said Ukrainian forces lost control due to electronic warfare actions by Russia, likely jamming, and called the incursion a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Navy confirmed it lost control of an unmanned naval boat while performing tasks in the Black Sea operational zone. More than 1,300 people were evacuated from several Black Sea beaches as a precaution, though evacuation measures were suspended by 3 p.m. The Russian Embassy in Bucharest accused Romania of releasing incomplete information and said the drones were Ukrainian, used for terrorist acts against civilian ships.
What’s reported
A Ukrainian maritime drone exploded at the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday.
Three other sea drones self-detonated outside the port, according to Romanian authorities.
No injuries were reported.
The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. after the area was secured by Romanian authorities.
The Romanian government said Ukrainian counterparts confirmed losing control of four drones.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan attributed the loss of control to electronic warfare actions by Russia.
The Ukrainian Navy confirmed losing control of an unmanned naval boat in the Black Sea operational zone.
More than 1,300 people were evacuated from Black Sea beaches; measures were suspended by 3 p.m.
The Russian Embassy in Bucharest accused Romania of releasing incomplete information and said the drones were Ukrainian.
Conflicting accounts
The Russian Embassy in Bucharest accused Romania of intentionally releasing “incomplete information” regarding the drone’s origin, stating the drones were Ukrainian and used for terrorist acts. Romanian authorities and President Dan attributed the incident to Russian electronic warfare actions.
Key figures
Nicusor Dan, Romanian President
Raed Arafat, head of Romania’s Department for Emergency Situations
António Costa, European Council President
Nikos Dendias, Greek Defense Minister (mentioned in context of a separate incident)
Sources: abcnews.com
