NATO Scrambles Fighter Jets As Russian Drones Approach

NATO nation Romania scrambled fighter jets on Tuesday after Russia launched drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near its border, the country’s Ministry of National Defense said.

Two Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jets were deployed from the 86th Air Base in Fetesti on Tuesday morning after a group of Russian drones were detected operating near Romanian airspace north of Vâlcove. Other Romanian air defense systems were also put into firing positions, the ministry said.

An emergency alert was issued to residents at 3.48 a.m. local time in the northern part of Romania’s Tulcea County, which borders Ukraine. The ministry said that Russia had resumed drone attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets “in the vicinity of the river border with Romania.”

The ministry added that Russian drones did not violate Romanian airspace during the incident, and the alert to residents ended at 4.45 a.m.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 2:41 AM.