Russian drone strikes Romanian apartment building, injuring two: NATO confirms Moscow's involvement
A Russian drone crashed into a residential building in Galați, Romania, injuring two people and triggering an unprecedented diplomatic and military response from Bucharest. The incident, confirmed by NATO as a Russian-made Shahed-type drone, occurred early Friday morning when the unmanned aircraft struck the 10th floor of an apartment block, sparking a fire and forcing the evacuation of dozens of residents.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT) and announced the closure of Russia’s consulate in Constanța and the expulsion of its consul—the first such measures since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "This is the most serious incident to affect Romanian territory since the war began," Dan said, adding that the drone likely originated from a larger Russian strike targeting Ukraine and was possibly downed over the Ukrainian city of Reni before veering into Romanian airspace .
NATO confirmed the drone’s Russian origin, with SHAPE spokesperson Martin O’Donnell stating that the attack occurred during a broader Russian aerial assault on Ukraine. The drone flew at low altitude over a populated area, making interception difficult, according to interim Defence Minister Radu Miruță. Romania currently lacks dedicated anti-drone capabilities but has accelerated procurement programs, including eight new projects for modern counter-drone systems, with NATO support approved in February—though the systems have yet to arrive .
The two injured—a mother and child—are recovering, and the National Emergency Situations Committee (CNSU) approved financial aid for affected families. Dan visited the victims in Galați, where he faced protests from locals demanding accountability. In a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Dan announced plans to accelerate joint drone production between Romania and Ukraine .
Russia’s response was dismissive. President Vladimir Putin claimed the drone’s ownership could not be determined without an investigation, while the Russian embassy condemned Romania’s consulate closure as "unjustified." International leaders, including Latvia’s president, condemned the attack and called for collective action against Moscow .
The incident underscores Romania’s vulnerability to spillover from the war in Ukraine, with officials warning that similar attacks could recur as Russia intensifies strikes near the border. Defence Minister Miruță said the government is prioritizing the deployment of anti-drone systems, but gaps remain in protecting civilian areas. NATO’s eastern flank, already on high alert, is now under renewed pressure to bolster air defences in response to the escalating threat.
Russian drone strikes Romanian apartment building, injuring two: NATO confirms Moscow's involvement
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