[75366] Tension in Romania: Russian President Putin responds to drone crash in Romania and threats towards Armenia

Diplomatic tension: Putin responds to drone crash in Romania and EU threats

During a press conference in Kazakhstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the drone crash in Romania, an event that drew sharp condemnations from NATO. Putin claimed, as reported by Mash, that the source of the drone is unknown without an investigation, and estimated that it might be a "Ukrainian drone that veered off course." On the other hand, senior EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, defined the event as crossing another "red line" by Russia (according to ZeRada).

In the international arena, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, harshly attacked EU countries and called for them to "shut their mouths" regarding the incident, while defining them as "direct participants in the war" due to the supply of weapons to Ukraine (according to RIA Novosti). Conversely, NATO announced that it condemns Russia's "irresponsible actions" and is committed to defending every centimeter of the alliance's territory (according to Душная община).

Regarding Armenia, Putin set a clear ultimatum: if Yerevan decides to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and deepen ties with the European Union, Russia "will be forced to stop economic integration." Putin warned that such a move would lead to increased energy prices and the imposition of strict visa requirements on Armenian citizens (according to Baza).

Regarding the situation on the front, Putin stated that "the situation on the battlefield allows us to say that the conflict is nearing its end," while emphasizing that Russia continues to "advance in all directions." Putin even responded to the demands of Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, to limit the Russian army, calling them "idiotic" (according to Коммерсантъ). Sources identified with pro-Western positions, such as DW, emphasized in contrast the danger posed by Russia and NATO's support for Romania as an ally.