According to the defense ministry in Constanta, the incident resulted in no casualties. The Black Sea is a critical corridor for grain, oil, and oil product shipments, shared by Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia. Constanta is Romania's largest port, featuring 156 berths and 32 kilometers (19 miles) of quays. Ukraine utilizes this port as an alternative route for grain exports and fuel imports.

The Romanian defense ministry reported that the drone detonated at 10:30 a.m. (0730 GMT), approximately four hours after authorities were alerted to its presence. The explosion occurred 500 meters from an oil terminal. As a precautionary measure, the port was evacuated, and over 1,000 individuals were removed from Black Sea beaches and the nearby Danube Delta. Ships and helicopters surveyed the area for additional drones. Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat stated during a briefing that restrictions were lifted later in the day after no further risks were detected.

Officials Warn of War Threat to EU's East

Romania, a European Union member, shares a 650 km (400 miles) land border with Ukraine. The nation has experienced repeated airspace breaches by Russian drones and the presence of mines along key trade and energy routes since Moscow's full-scale invasion four years ago earlier this week. The Romanian navy detonated a Russian YaRM-type anti-landing mine that had drifted to shore.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on X that Russia's war is increasingly becoming a direct threat to countries on Europe's eastern border. "This incident shows once again that Russia’s ongoing full-scale aggression poses a threat not only to Ukraine, but to the entire region," a spokesperson for Ukraine's foreign ministry said on X.