In the early hours of Sunday, two Romanian F-16 fighter jets intercepted a Russian drone in Romanian airspace, sparking concerns of escalating tensions along the Ukrainian border. This incident is part of a series of airspace violations in NATO territory by Russian drones, prompting calls for increased protection measures.

Experts suggest that Russia may be testing NATO’s response capabilities and communication systems. The alliance has condemned these airspace violations as irresponsible but stops short of labeling them intentional attacks. NATO has ramped up surveillance and air patrols in Eastern regions but remains cautious about shooting down Russian drones to avoid further escalation.

Some suggest extending air defense systems over the Ukraine border to protect both NATO countries and Ukrainian cities from potential Russian attacks. However, internal politics, including upcoming elections in the US and domestic challenges in France and Germany, may hinder such decisions.

As tensions rise, the question remains: will NATO act proactively to prevent further incidents, or will it wait until a catastrophic event forces its hand?