Romanian jets intercept third drone as Black Sea tensions rise

Romanian F-16 fighter jets intercepted a Russian drone over the Black Sea for the third consecutive day, near the Danube delta close to the border with Ukraine. Romanian President Nicușor Dan described the airspace incursions as "unacceptable and intolerable," praising defense personnel for their rapid response.

Simultaneously, commercial shipowners halted vessel traffic to Ukrainian Black Sea ports following Russian attack threats, according to Ukrainian officials. The voluntary freeze could cause a $2 billion shortfall in agricultural export revenue.

In separate remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russia plans to deploy around 30,000 North Korean troops to support its forces and is sharing satellite imagery with Iran. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Ukraine would eventually cede its western territories to neighboring NATO countries over time.

Sources: Flux24, Koha, Moldova1, NOS