Greek authorities are preparing a formal diplomatic protest to Ukraine following the discovery of a Ukrainian-made naval drone packed with nearly 100kg of explosives in a sea cave off the island of Lefkada, raising fresh fears that the Black Sea conflict may be spilling into the Mediterranean.
Greek diplomatic protest over ‘shadow fleet’ attack drone
Greece is poised to lodge an official diplomatic complaint with Ukraine after a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) – a Magura V5 model – was discovered by a fisherman hidden inside a cave near the Ionian island of Lefkada. The drone, reportedly containing approximately 100kg of explosives, is believed by Greek authorities to have been intended for an attack on vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
Athens has warned that it will not allow the Mediterranean to be drawn into an active war zone. Earlier this month, Greece’s defence minister, Nikos Dendias, demanded an apology from Ukraine over the incident. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said no party had the right to attack or sink ships in the Mediterranean, even if those vessels were subject to European sanctions.
Drone strike on Romanian apartment block sparks fire
In a separate but equally alarming development, a drone crashed into a multi-storey residential building in the Romanian city of Galați, near the border with Ukraine’s Odesa region. The impact triggered a powerful explosion, captured on video, which set a tenth-floor flat ablaze. Romania’s emergency response unit (IGSU) confirmed that residents evacuated themselves; no fatalities have been reported, though two people are injured and are receiving medical care.
Romania’s foreign ministry accused Russia of being responsible for the strike. In a statement on Facebook, the ministry called the incident “a serious and irresponsible escalation by Russia,” adding that Bucharest would take “necessary diplomatic measures in response to this violation of international law and Romania’s airspace.”
Romanian officials have since briefed NATO allies and the alliance’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, urging accelerated delivery of counter-drone capabilities to Romania. The foreign ministry also vowed to act with maximum resolve to increase international pressure on Moscow for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
NATO pledges stronger defences – but general urges caution
Rutte is in contact with Romanian authorities. Alliance spokeswoman Allison Hart said NATO would continue to strengthen its defences against all types of threats, including drone attacks.
However, Major General Gheorghe Maxim, deputy commander of Romania’s Joint Force Command, struck a cautious note: “We are not facing an attack on Romania. We are facing the consequences of a conflict taking place in the immediate vicinity of our border.”
