Ukraine suffered a massive attack of cruise missiles and drones by Russia, targeting energy infrastructure and high-value objectives during Christmas night. Although Kyiv reported that at least one Russian missile flew over Romania to strike the Chernivtsi region, Romanian authorities have so far denied the incident.
According to Romania’s Ministry of National Defense, and in response to Ukrainian claims about a Russian cruise missile entering NATO airspace, it was stated that “…Romania’s air surveillance system, as part of NATO’s integrated system that constantly monitors the air situation in the area, did not detect such an event…”
The Romanian Defense Ministry detailed that “…Romanian military authorities were informed by their Ukrainian counterparts that, around 7:30 a.m., a missile from the Russian Federation, which reportedly struck the Chernivtsi region in Ukraine, may have passed through Moldovan airspace and, for approximately two minutes, over Romanian airspace in the northern area near the locality of Darabani…”
“…Based on tracking data from Romania’s air surveillance systems and information provided by NATO allies monitoring the area, the crossing of Romanian airspace has not been confirmed. Competent structures of the Ministry will continue to investigate this situation to clarify all circumstances…,” the Romanian report concluded.
Between the night of December 24 and the early hours of December 25, the Russian Armed Forces reportedly launched approximately 78 cruise missiles and over 100 drones targeting various locations across Ukraine. Local defenses claimed to have intercepted at least 113 aerial targets and diverted an additional 50 (likely drones affected by electronic warfare systems).
This latest attack marks another offensive against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which is critical for the Ukrainian population during the winter season. Moscow has carried out similar strikes since its renewed invasion of Ukraine, aiming to undermine the will of the local population and exert additional pressure on Kyiv to capitulate.
As with previous attacks, NATO closely monitored the Russian operations, given that cruise missiles or drones occasionally breach the airspace of allied countries, such as Romania or Poland. The armed forces of these nations, in coordination with NATO, maintain constant surveillance of Russian activities. However, such vigilance has not prevented incidents, often requiring the deployment of fighter jets and other assets to avert greater consequences.
Illustrative Cover Image. Credits: Russian Ministry of Defense.
