Russian drone enters Romanian airspace near Sulina, triggering a phone alert in Tulcea
On 14 October 2026 a Russian drone briefly entered Romanian airspace over the Black Sea east of Sulina before turning back towards Ukraine. Residents of eastern and northern Tulcea county received a RO-ALERT message at 10:19; the all-clear came at 11:22.
What happened
According to Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, radar picked up a Russian drone near the Ukrainian border in the morning. It stayed briefly in Romanian airspace east of Sulina, over the sea, then crossed into Ukrainian airspace, where it was shot down. Two F-16s took off from the Borcea air base. A RO-ALERT phone message went out at 10:19 to the east and north of Tulcea county, and the all-clear was given at 11:22. No debris was reported on Romanian territory.
Why it matters
Similar incidents have recurred in Romania’s border counties since 2023, and Poland, Moldova and the Baltic states have seen their own. For people living nearby, air alerts are becoming routine, and the real risk is that people stop taking them seriously. The rule is the same every time: an alert means taking shelter immediately until the all-clear.
What you can do
- Read our guide on taking shelter during an air raid or drone alert, including the two-wall rule.
- Set up a shelter corner at home in advance and keep your phone’s alert sound on at night.
- If you find drone debris, keep away and call the emergency number.
Helpful guides
- Emergencies Air raid and drone alerts: taking shelter What to do when an air raid siren sounds or a phone alert warns of an aerial threat: the safest spot in an apartment, the two-wall rule, what to do outdoors or in a car, how to set up a shelter corner and what to do with drone debris.
- Emergencies Sirens, alerts and shelters How public warning systems work, why you should never turn off emergency alerts on your phone, how to find your nearest shelter and what to take with you.