Romania Evacuates Border Villages After Russian Drone Attack on Gas Tanker

Emergency Evacuation Along Danube River Border

Romanian authorities have ordered the evacuation of two border villages near Ukraine after a Russian drone strike set ablaze a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker in the Ukrainian port city of Izmail. The Turkish-flagged ORINDA tanker, carrying approximately 4,000 tons of liquefied gas, is burning dangerously close to Romanian territory and could 'explode at any time' according to emergency officials.

Immediate Threat to Border Communities

The villages of Plauru and Ceatalchioi in Tulcea County are being completely evacuated, with approximately 250 residents being relocated to safer areas. The tanker is positioned just 300 meters from Romanian houses on the Danube River, which serves as the natural border between Romania and Ukraine. 'This represents the most serious border situation since Russia began drone strikes on Ukrainian Danube ports,' stated Raed Arafat, head of Romania's Emergency Department.

Romanian military personnel stationed along the border have also been withdrawn from the area, and a 2-kilometer safety perimeter has been established around the burning vessel. Traffic has been closed off in the affected region as emergency services remain on high alert.

Escalating Regional Tensions

This incident marks another significant escalation in the spillover effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine into NATO territory. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the attack, stating 'This brutal escalation of terror threatens not only Ukraine but also our neighbors' in a social media post. The minister emphasized that 'This highlights the urgency of collective pressure on Moscow to end the war.'

The Danube River has become increasingly important for Ukrainian exports since Russia blocked traditional Black Sea shipping routes. Ukrainian ports along the Danube, including Izmail, have been frequent targets of Russian drone attacks in recent months.

Previous Incidents and NATO Response

This is not the first time Romania has experienced the consequences of Russia's attacks on Ukraine. In recent weeks, Romanian authorities have discovered drone fragments on their territory following Russian strikes on Ukrainian Danube ports. Just last week, Romania summoned the Russian ambassador after finding drone debris that officials confirmed originated from Russian attacks.

NATO has been strengthening its eastern flank defenses in response to these incidents. Romania and Poland are deploying the American Merops anti-drone system, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has launched the Eastern Sentry initiative to enhance airspace protection along the alliance's eastern borders.

The ongoing situation highlights the complex security challenges facing NATO members bordering conflict zones and the increasing risks of regional escalation as Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near international borders.