Grave concerns have been raised after a Romanian fighter jet and a helicopter crashed in separate incidents on Wednesday.
The precarious situation in the war between Russia and Ukraine have led to unfounded concerns over the crashes of the two aircraft, in which a total of eight people were killed.
The IAR 330 Puma helicopter crashed while out searching for the MiG-21 LanceR jet, which disappeared from the radar during an air patrol.
As reported by Radio Free Europe, witnesses state they saw an explosion in the area where the jet disappeared from the radar.
The jet was later found in an uninhabited area near the Black Sea in what appears to be a tragic accident.
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis said: "I give my profound regret and full compassion for the loss of seven soldiers from the Mihail Kogalniceanu air base."
So why did the jet and helicopter crash?
Why did the Romanian jet crash?
The initial explanation for why both the jet and helicopter crashed is so far due to bad weather.
When instances like this happen, a thorough investigation has to take place and all IAR 330 Puma and MiG LanceR aircraft will be grounded while this happens.
Romania has experienced unsafe aircraft before. In 2010, 12 people were killed and two injured when an AN-2 aircraft crashed on a parachute training flight mission - the country's armed forces gave up the aircraft.
It has been reported that Romania plans to phase out its use of MiG planes.
Spokesman General Constantin Spanu said on Wednesday: "It is premature to discuss possible causes. Certainly, there were unfavourable weather conditions, but we can't comment now."
Why are people concerned?
False information is easily spread and people were concerned about the crashes of the Romanian fighter jet and helicopter as they believe it could cause a potential escalation in Russia's aggression.
However, it must be stressed that so far these fears are unfounded and no reason for why either the jet or helicopter crashed has been confirmed, with bad weather the most likely explanation so far.
Romania is a member of Nato and while there was speculation the jet did not crash of its own accord, there is no evidence of this.
The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to rumble on with bloody fighting seen alongside continued Russian bombardment on the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Kyiv in particular.
Fear among the West and Nato powers has been sown due to the potential for escalation in the conflict. So far, Nato countries have only supplied lethal aid to Ukraine, but have not committed their troops as this would likely lead to an all-out war.
Announcing the invasion of Ukraine, Putin chillingly warned of 'consequences' for anyone who planned to interfere with his plans for Ukraine.
