Russian drone incident on NATO soil: what happens now? | DW News

Añadido: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]For the first time since Moscow launched its full-scale war on Ukraine, a Russian drone has caused injuries on NATO territory. So, what happens next? For now, a lot of talking. Both NATO Chief Mark Route and the Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, General Alexis Grinkowit, have issued statements saying they've consulted with the Romanian government and they're offering Bucharest their full support. But what support could be on the way in the short term is unclear. NATO's already bolstered its defenses along the eastern flank with an operation called Eastern Sentry. And in this case, two NATO jets did scramble to monitor the drone once it entered Romanian airspace. But authorities say it was determined that it would be more dangerous to shoot it down than to let it fall. A difficult calculation to make to be sure when lives are at risk. At the moment, NATO sources tell me it appears unlikely that Romania will call for Article 4 consultations here at NATO headquarters.

[00:00:54]That's possible when an ally feels that its security is at risk. But it's a world of difference from talking about article 5, the collective security guarantee that could mean the entire alliance goes to war. And certainly no one is suggesting at this point that that would apply. But NATO is warning Russia not to cross any more lines.