As Russian drones cross Romania, NATO's eastern members offer to pay more for US troops
Romania reported 23 Russian drone incursions as eastern allies prepared to cover more US troop costs, while a weapons cache near Berlin became a national security investigation.
Geopolitics··Evening
Eastern allies want to cover more of the cost of US troops
NATO members on the alliance's eastern edge are preparing to cover a larger share of the expense of keeping US troops in Europe. The Japan Times, citing Bloomberg, said the offer is being prepared for a 27 August meeting in Brussels with US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. The Pentagon has put its European military presence under a six-month review. A questionnaire due on 28 August asks governments about their public support for Donald Trump's foreign policy, restrictions on the use of American bases and purchases from US defence contractors. Eastern allies want as many American troops as possible to remain as a deterrent against Russia.[1]
Romania recorded 23 incursions into its airspace
Bucharest said Russian drones had entered Romanian airspace at least 23 times in 2026. ABC News reported that, as of 17 August, four Russian drones had been shot down in Romanian airspace, drone fragments had been found on Romanian territory 27 times this year and Russia had carried out 54 attacks near the Romanian frontier. Foreign ministry spokesperson Andrei Tarnea described the incidents as a direct consequence of Russia's illegal actions and said every crossing would cost Moscow more. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also characterised Russia's behaviour as a danger to everyone.[2]
A federal investigation opened over a weapons cache near Berlin
German federal prosecutors opened an investigation on suspicion of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state after two handguns and ammunition were found in woodland outside Berlin. Interior minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that Germany was seeking the extradition of a suspect held in Romania and described the person as a low-level agent. German media linked the cache to Russian intelligence; Dobrindt did not rule out foreign involvement but stopped short of confirming the reported assassination claim. He said the case showed that Germany was operating under a high threat level. The disclosure came two weeks after an explosives-carrying drone was found at Leipzig airport.[3]
