• Romania scrambled fighter jets after a drone violated its airspace amid Russian attacks on Ukraine.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy states that Russia's drone operations signify an expansion of its war efforts.
• Poland also deployed aircraft in response to a drone threat following attacks close to its border.
• Both NATO countries are on high alert, reinforcing their defense systems against potential incursions.
• Calls for tougher sanctions against Russia are echoed by leaders in the region, including U.S. President Trump.

Romania reported a drone incursion into its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine, prompting the defense ministry to scramble two F-16 fighter jets and subsequently two Eurofighters. The jets monitored the situation and tracked a drone until it disappeared from radar near the village of Chilia Veche, approximately 20 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, according to Reuters, CBS News, and Al Jazeera.

Poland, facing similar threats, also deployed its aircraft as Russian drone strikes were reported near its borders, raising its military readiness to the highest level. The Polish military indicated that no airspace violations were recorded after its jets were scrambled, reflecting a cautious but proactive stance in response to the ongoing situation, as detailed by Reuters and ABC News.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the drone incursions as indicative of a deliberate escalation by Russia, calling for collective defense measures and stricter sanctions against Moscow. "It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia – and this is exactly how they act," he noted, reinforcing the urgency for NATO countries to act decisively, according to Le Monde and India Times.

The Romanian defense minister, Ionut Mosteanu, confirmed that this incident was the latest in a series of violations since the beginning of the Russian invasion. He condemned Russia's actions, which he stated endanger regional stability. The Romanian government is considering legislative measures to enhance its response capabilities to such incursions, as reported by CBS News and ABC News.

Both nations are working closely with NATO allies, as seen by the increased military cooperation and surveillance. Sweden has publicly condemned the drone breach and expressed solidarity with Romania, further showcasing the unity among NATO member states in the face of aggression, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.