Ministry of National Defence
Press release No. 236 12.10.2023
Press Release

On Wednesday, October 11, the Russian forces continued their attacks on the Ukrainian port infrastructure, in the proximity of the border between Ukraine and Romania.

The Ministry of National Defence monitored the aerial situation from its areas of responsibility in real time. As a result of the detection of the groups of drones heading towards the Ukrainian ports, MoND activated the Air Police procedures and notified the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, starting 11.20 p.m., with regard to the specific areas in Tulcea and Galati Counties, located in the vicinity, that could be potentially affected by the risks associated with this situation. The pre-alert air status in these areas ended at 01:40, on October 12.

Based on the information received from the Border Police, regarding a possible impact on the territory of Romania, in the vicinity of Plauru Locality, Tulcea County, the MoND teams, in cooperation with forces and means from the other institutions of the National Defence, Public Order and National Security System, travelled to the area to investigate the situation. At around 5:00 a.m., the teams in the field reported the discovery of a drone crater, with a possible explosion at impact, in a vegetated area near the right bank of Chilia Branch, at approximately 3 km West of Plauru Locality.

Measures were taken to secure the area and the competent structures were notified in order to collect evidence and conduct investigations, according to the procedures in force.

The MoND forces will continue conducting its airspace monitoring and research missions in the areas where risks may arise, as a result of these situations.

The Ministry of National Defence strongly condemns the attacks conducted by the Russian Federation against certain sites and civil infrastructure elements in the Ukrainian ports at the Danube. These attacks are unjustified and are seriously infringing the international humanitarian law rules.

Also, MoND remains in permanent contact with the Allied structures, which are informed in real time about the situation generated by these attacks.

The Press Office