A Romanian F-16 fighter jet shot down a drone that entered the country's airspace near Padina, 90 km northeast of Bucharest. An investigation has been launched into the incident, which marks the third drone incursion into Romania in two months, following previous incidents involving Ukrainian naval drones and a Russian 'Geran-2' kamikaze drone.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova advised the West to apply the term "annexation" to Romania's intention to absorb Moldova, arguing that true unification requires mutual aspiration and a plebiscite, which are currently absent, and that Moldovans' opinions are being ignored.
The Kremlin has not received any response from Bucharest regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to study the wreckage of a drone that crashed in Romania. Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that no reaction has been received.
Romanian authorities have significantly increased security measures in Bucharest for a Max Korzh concert, deploying thousands of gendarmes and special services. The security level is compared to that of a NATO summit, with extensive checks for attendees and vehicles.
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja played his chess match against Javokhir Sindarov from bed due to an ankle injury. The game took place in a special room at the tournament hotel in Bucharest under official supervision.
Logistics complicated for 30 May showpiece in BudapestArsenal to receive only 16,824 official ticket allocationArsenal have had to find different ways to win this season as they pursue a Premier League and Champions League double. Their fans will now have to show similar dexterity if they hope to make it to Budapest for Uefa’s showpiece final.With direct flights from London costing up to £1,500 and the only available hotel rooms some 20 miles from the Hungarian capital, it could be the most expensive Champions League final to attend in history. But with a bit of luck and logistical flexibility (and the ability to stay awake all night), Gunners supporters can still hope to match Declan Rice’s demand that 200,000 descend upon the Danube at the end of this month. Continue reading...
The aircraft stayed in the Romanian capital for about three hours
Gheorghe Hagi has been appointed manager of the Romanian national team for the second time, replacing the late Mircea Lucescu. The 61-year-old former Barcelona midfielder, nicknamed the 'Maradona of the Carpathians', has signed a four-year contract with ambitions to win the Nations League and qualify for Euro 2028. This marks his return to the role over two decades after a brief stint in 2001.
