The security situation in Romania has escalated after a Russian drone entered the country’s airspace during a nighttime attack against Ukraine and crashed into a multi-story residential building in the city of Galați, located near the border with Ukraine. As a result of the incident, a fire broke out on the roof of the apartment building, and at least two people were injured.
This is reported by Finway
Diplomatic response and strengthening of defense measures
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Cărbunaru announced that following this incident, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She emphasized that with confirmation from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the Russian origin of the drone, Romania will officially communicate the diplomatic consequences for relations between the countries and will initiate further steps at the European level, including regarding new sanctions against the Russian Federation.
“We have confirmation from the Ministry of National Defense that the drone that crashed into the residential building in Galați was of Russian origin. After this extremely serious incident… we will officially communicate the consequences that this lack of accountability from the Russian Federation will have for diplomatic relations between our countries, as well as the subsequent steps at the European level regarding sanction packages,” Cărbunaru wrote on social media X on May 29.
The President of Romania convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense to discuss further measures in response to the violation of the country’s airspace and the threat to the civilian population. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strike by the Russian drone as a “serious and irresponsible escalation” by Russia and informed allies and the NATO Secretary-General about the incident, requesting expedited provision of means for protection against drones.
Security situation at the border and NATO’s response
Romanian military forces scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter for surveillance during the attack, with pilots authorized to destroy drones. Images from the scene confirm the geolocation of the strike in a residential area in southern Galați, over 11 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
NATO condemned Russia’s actions, emphasizing that the alliance’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte maintains close contact with Romanian authorities. The Romanian Ministry of Defense stated its intention to act with maximum firmness to increase international pressure on Russia to achieve an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
As a NATO and EU member, Romania shares over 600 kilometers of border with Ukraine. Since the beginning of Russia’s massive attacks on Ukrainian ports, the country’s authorities have repeatedly recorded flights of Russian drones over its territory. However, this incident marks the first time a drone not only struck a residential building but also caused civilian injuries. The incident has raised concerns about the potential spread of the war waged by Russia against Ukraine into the territory of the European Union. Russian representatives have so far refrained from making official comments.