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A naval drone that exploded in the waters of Romania's civilian port of Constanta on June 5 was Ukrainian, according to Romanian President Nicusor Dan. The drone was part of a group of Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels, some of which are still being sought, officials said.

The explosion caused damage to one of the port's docks and a nearby vessel, but no casualties were reported, per the Romanian Ministry of Defense. The ministry initially did not specify the drone's origin but stated it was not part of Romania's military equipment and was not involved in recent Black Sea exercises, adding that the drone "belongs to the type of UAV used in the war in Ukraine."

Coverage comparison

Two reports from Russian state news agency TASS — both in English — provided the bulk of available details. The first, dated June 5, quoted Adrian-Teodor Picoiu, the prefect (government representative) of Constanta County, who told g4media.ro that the drone was part of a group of five Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels. The second, dated June 6, focused on President Dan's acknowledgment of the drone's Ukrainian origin and the broader security implications.

The two accounts differ slightly in the number of drones involved: the prefect mentioned five total, while the president's remarks referred to a group of four. Both agreed that the drone had exploded in the port and that no casualties occurred, but the president's statement added that other drones detonated at sea.

Key claims

  • A naval drone exploded in the Romanian civilian port of Constanta on June 5, causing damage to a dock and a vessel, according to Romanian Defense Ministry and local officials.
  • The drone was Ukrainian, part of a group of unmanned surface vessels, as confirmed by Romanian President Nicusor Dan and supported by the prefect's account.
  • The drones were loaded with explosives, according to the president's statement.
  • Two helicopters were searching for the remaining drones, per the prefect's remarks.
  • One drone exploded on the Ukrainian side, the prefect said.
  • The Romanian Ministry of Defense reported no casualties from the explosion.
  • Two drones detonated approximately 145 km east of Constanta, while another exploded in the open sea near the port, according to later reports cited by TASS.

Perspectives

Romanian presidential view

President Nicusor Dan stated it is "now clear" that the drone was Ukrainian, part of a group of four drones loaded with explosives that had "gone out of control." He expressed concern about the security implications, noting that the maritime drone entered the port unnoticed because it represents a new technology developed during the conflict in Ukraine that Romania is only beginning to adopt.

Local authorities' perspective

Constanta County Prefect Adrian-Teodor Picoiu emphasized that there is currently no risk, as the remaining drones are being searched for. He speculated that the three unaccounted drones "could have gone to the Bulgarians or the Turks," raising regional concerns.

Defense ministry's initial stance

Romania's Defense Ministry initially avoided attributing the drone to any party, merely stating it was not Romanian and belonged to a type used in the Ukraine war. This cautious approach contrasts with the president's later direct attribution.