Image: from Kateryna Lisunova X @KaterynaLis
By Open Chronicle with agencies
A Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel exploded near the Romanian port city of Constanta on Friday after reportedly losing control due to Russian electronic interference, according to a statement issued by the Ukrainian Navy.
The incident occurred in the Black Sea and has raised fresh concerns about the growing risks posed to neighboring NATO countries by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Romanian authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported and that an investigation into the incident is underway.
According to the Ukrainian Navy, the sea drone was carrying out an operational mission when it was affected by Russian electronic warfare systems. The vessel subsequently drifted toward Romanian waters after losing control.
“While carrying out missions in the Black Sea operational zone, one of the Ukrainian Navy’s unmanned surface vessels lost control due to enemy electronic warfare measures and drifted toward the coast of Romania,” the Ukrainian Navy said. It added that Romanian naval authorities were informed in advance in an effort to prevent civilian casualties.
🚨Just one week after a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, an armed drone exploded in a Romanian port. Reportedly, there were no injuries or major damage.
Romanian Defense Ministry says the naval drone self-detonated mid-morning after being… pic.twitter.com/BML24U9vAC
— Kateryna Lisunova (@KaterynaLis) June 5, 2026
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence stated that the drone detonated at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Officials said the vessel appeared to be the type of unmanned naval drone commonly used in the war in Ukraine.
The area had already been secured by Romanian intelligence services, the Coast Guard, and military personnel before the explosion occurred. Authorities confirmed that the drone was not part of Romania’s military inventory and had no connection to recent military exercises conducted in the Black Sea.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan described the incident as a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine. He also revealed that three additional drones exploded on Friday. One detonated under the supervision of the Coast Guard off the coast of Constanta, while two others exploded approximately 145 kilometers east of the city.
Despite the series of incidents, Dan stressed that none of the drones caused casualties or significant damage and that there was no ongoing threat to Romanian citizens or infrastructure.
The events prompted a strong response from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Romania, warning that the conflict is increasingly creating security risks for countries along the European Union’s eastern frontier.
Emergency services mounted a large-scale response in Constanta, deploying police units, firefighters, border guards, and a Black Hawk helicopter to secure the area and assist with operations.
The incident follows another drone-related event last week when a Russian explosive-laden drone crashed in the Romanian city of Galați. The crash caused a fire on the roof of a residential building and injured two people.
As military operations continue across the Black Sea region, the latest incidents highlight how the conflict is increasingly spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders, raising concerns among neighboring countries and NATO allies about regional security and unintended escalation.