Czech foreign minister urges more sanctions after Russian drone enters Romanian airspace

Czech Foreign Ministry headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic, February 15, 2016
Reuters

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has urged NATO allies to impose additional sanctions on Russia after a Russian drone violated Romanian airspace during strikes on Ukraine.

In a post on the social media platform X, Lipavsky said he did not believe the incursion was accidental. "Russia continues to provoke. Last night, it was Romania. I do not believe in Russian 'mistakes.' As NATO allies, we remain vigilant. Russia must pay a concrete price for its provocations against NATO. That is why Czechia supports further sanctions," he wrote.

The Romanian Defence Ministry confirmed the breach occurred during a Russian drone strike on Ukrainian targets close to the border. This follows a pattern of recent incidents affecting NATO's eastern members.

Just days earlier, Poland reported that at least nineteen Russian drones had crossed into its airspace while Russia was conducting operations against Ukraine. Russia has denied intentionally violating NATO airspace in either case.

In response to the escalating security risks, NATO has announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentry, aimed at bolstering the alliance’s eastern defences and deterring further cross-border incidents.

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