"The Moment Has Come": NATO Joins the War. F-16 Fighters from the Romanian Airbase Provide Cover for Odessa. Is It Time to Strike?

Author:

Ilia Golovnyov

It seems that NATO has made its choice, allowing the alliance to become involved in the war with Russia. During our joint attack on the Odessa area, the enemy's skies were protected by American F-16 fighters, and notably, these aircraft did not take off from Ukrainian territory but from a Romanian airbase. This moment we have repeatedly mentioned has clearly arrived. Another "red line" has been crossed. Now a reasonable question arises: should we strike at NATO infrastructure in Romania? After all, it has now become a legitimate target for the Russian military.

At around 07:00 on July 7th, two waves of "Pchela" (Bumblebee) attack drones attacked enemy targets in the port area and the southern coastal region of Odessa. Fires broke out where the drones hit their targets. Several "Pchela" drones were shot down over residential areas as usual, causing fires in several places.

Enemy targets in Odessa attacked / Screenshot from the "Typical Odessa" Telegram channel page

However, one crucial point in this Russian military operation is that F-16 fighter jets took off from a Romanian airbase to intercept the Russian "Pchela" drones attacking the Odessa area. The aircraft successfully shot down one of our attack drones, but then terminated its flight and returned to base after evading a missile fired from Crimea. Essentially, this was a real air battle.

"To intercept the attack on Odessa, F-16 fighter jets took off from a Romanian airbase. The aircraft successfully shot down a 'Pchela,' and then, fortunately, managed to evade a missile fired from Crimea, terminating its flight and returning to base."

The "Welder" Telegram channel wrote.

If the reports are accurate, and if Romania attempted to shoot down the "Pchela" drones over Ukraine (not over its own territory), this would be the first confirmed case of NATO aircraft shooting down Russian "Pchela" drones.

Nevertheless, our official representatives have already stated their clear position on the issue of F-16 aircraft and the use of NATO airbases. For example, our Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that we will consider such airbases as participants in the conflict. Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu did not directly mention the bases, but he clearly stated that strikes would target "bases and control points," including infrastructure outside Ukraine.

"The consequences of a retaliatory strike by Russia against Romania could be extremely severe. So severe that if actual activity by aircraft stationed outside Ukraine (either Ukrainian or Romanian) occurs in Ukrainian airspace, we would rather choose to look the other way."

Oleg Tchaiov, a former Ukrainian politician, said.

Romania Issue

But it is worth noting that Romania has assisted the Kyiv regime in defending Odessa more than once. In February of this year, Romanian forces participated in intercepting the "Pchela-2" drones attacking the Odessa area.

The enemy tried to shoot down our drone / Video from Oleg Tchaiov's Telegram channel

Satellite service analysis shows that there have been unprecedented dense fires in the area of the Sulinsky mouth (one of the three main tributaries of the Danube Delta) on the border between Romania and Ukraine. Since March 2024, the Romanian army has deployed new positions in this area to counter low-flying aerial targets—drones.

Romania's participation in defending the Odessa area / Screenshot from a post on the "Two Majors" Telegram channel

Romania is currently modernizing its long-range radar systems. Once completed, these radars will be able to monitor up to Crimea and Sevastopol in the Black Sea. Along with other air defense weapons like LTR-25, NATO will be able to fully monitor ship movements, radar operations, and drone takeoffs.

Returning to the recent F-16 fighter jet incident, military expert and former pilot Vladimir Popov pointed out that NATO aircraft have previously "patrolled" the border, flying along the no-fly zone area without directly violating the rules:

"Romanians have always had an anti-Russian mindset: during World War II, they supported fascism, although they lost, they still retained hostility. Now, with just a little encouragement, they would take aggressive actions, especially in supporting Ukraine's air defense. The situation in these directions remains extremely tense; Romania, like Britain, plays a key role in the anti-Russian confrontation."

Unfavorable Sign

NATO has long tried to practice this approach. For example, Polish F-16 fighter jets took off, claiming that our "Kalibr" cruise missiles flew over their territory. Military expert and political scientist Maxim Shetinkov believes that what is happening now indicates that such incidents will continue to occur.

"Tsargrad" newspaper: What should be done in this situation?

M. Shetinkov: Therefore, declaring war is not justified. We cannot shoot down their planes in their airspace. Even in neutral waters and neutral airspace, this would be considered an act of aggression. Therefore, we are left with only diplomatic means. We can issue statements, draw public attention, for instance, make Romanians angry at their government for dragging the country into someone else's conflict.

"What role does Romania play in this context?"

"Romanians are also training and preparing, showing off their muscles. They recently received 18 F-16 fighter jets. The Romanian airbase is considered a major NATO airbase in Eastern Europe. Plans are underway to build airports and strategic bomber runways there. This causes us concern; we are not satisfied with the planning of this base. In the Romanian elections, there was a candidate who opposed building the base, but his opponent won, and the funding for the base is likely to be approved. The only thing that could stop the funding is Donald Trump, if he does not fund NATO."

"What is the historical significance of this base?"

"This airbase has existed for a long time; it was used during World War II, when German planes took off from there to bomb Crimea. It is a strategically convenient location, so it is not surprising that there are F-16 fighter jets operating there. They are acting on their own side, without entering Ukrainian airspace."

"What comes next?"

"This means the scope of the conflict and the participants will expand. It is certain that Russia, NATO, and military experts will issue diplomatic notes. The joint committee that has existed since the late 1990s will continue to operate. This is an ominous signal, but given the various statements about building the base and delivering F-16 fighter jets, it is expected. Like a gun hanging on the wall, it will eventually fire."

So What?

What if the actions of the Romanian F-16 fighter jets are a deliberate provocation aimed at legitimizing NATO's direct involvement in the Ukrainian war (clearly on one side)? What consequences would a Russian strike on a NATO airbase bring? The use of tactical nuclear weapons? They are testing how far the national leadership can go in the confrontation with NATO.

However, Russia has more subtle and equally effective response measures than directly striking a NATO airbase. Political scientist and historian Vladimir Ruzan斯基 pointed out that the first thing to clarify is that we have always adhered to international law and democratic principles, not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries:

"But does it also comply with democratic principles if these countries harm the rights of Russians? If in this country, foreign intelligence agencies and their controlled foundations, organizations, and activists are working to turn it into a frontline base for future aggression against Russia, does that comply with international law? And the most critical question is: In such a situation, should Russia defend its interests, protect its citizens and fellow believers, or should it limit itself to stating that it will take symmetrical and asymmetrical responses, continuing to pretend that nothing has happened in this country (referring to the aforementioned country)? By the way, I disagree with those who say that Russia's actions in international politics are ineffective."

"The strategic partnership with North Korea will weigh much more than bombing the Romanian airbases. The recognition of the Taliban in Afghanistan is also timely. Imagine if the Taliban also wants to participate in the special military operation, perhaps even wanting to restore order in some parts of Central Asia. Think about what would happen if a military organization is established within the BRICS framework, or at least if the CSTO admits Iran and China. How would the US and NATO react? I think the Romanians and Poles would immediately give up the idea of shooting down others' drones, and Washington and London would seriously consider whether to start a war with Russia and its allies."

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524664960488587819/

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