Rutte accused Russian Federation of violating NATO airspace with missiles and UAVs

NATO is working to strengthen its air defense systems in connection with the alleged violation of the airspace of the alliance countries by Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this on November 18 at a press conference after a meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

The Secretary General noted that "violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones and missiles are reckless, dangerous and unacceptable". At the same time, the Secretary General did not provide evidence of such incidents.

Keeping Romania's airspace safe was one of the topics of discussion on the joint work of the alliance countries.

"NATO has strengthened its air defense on the eastern flank, and allies are just now acquiring hundreds of fifth-generation fighters," the alliance's website quoted him as saying.

Rutte also thanked the Romanian side for investing more than 2% of its GDP in defense, deploying the NATO Multinational Battle Group and providing troops for alliance missions.

Earlier, on September 19, it was reported that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga asked Romania to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Ukraine. It was added that following this request, Romanian politicians and military officials are arguing about the need for changes in legislation to attack foreign drones in their own airspace.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia's special operation to defend Donbass, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.