Romania’s Defence Council has been convened in an emergency session after a Russian drone crashed into a residential building, prompting authorities to summon the Russian ambassador for explanations.
President Nicușor Dan said the incident requires “a firm, coordinated and appropriate response – at national, allied and international level.”
“I state, with full determination, that full responsibility for this incident lies with the Russian Federation. What happened today in Galați is the direct consequence of the aggressive war Russia launched against Ukraine, the irresponsible way it handles these weapons systems near NATO borders, and its systematic disregard for international law,” he said.
“There is no ambiguity about the perpetrator or the cause of this aggression,” he added, praising Romanian forces for acting according to established procedures.
Romania’s response
Romania has taken several steps following the incident:
- Allies in NATO and partners in the European Union have been informed, with consultations ongoing.
- Bucharest has formally requested additional allied anti‑drone capabilities to strengthen national defence and NATO’s eastern flank.
- The government will brief the United Nations Security Council on what it describes as a serious and repeated violation of international law.
France has also summoned Russia’s ambassador for explanations over the incident.
Strike on residential building
The drone struck an apartment block in the eastern city of Galați, near Romania’s borders with Ukraine and Moldova, causing a fire and injuring two people.
Romania’s emergency services said the drone’s entire explosive payload detonated, igniting a blaze on the tenth floor of the building.
Two people received medical treatment for minor injuries, while around 70 residents were evacuated as firefighters brought the situation under control.
First injuries on NATO territory
Russian drones have crossed into Romanian territory several times during the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. However, this marks the first time civilians inside a NATO country have been injured as a result.
Russia has not yet commented on the incident.
