A Russian drone has struck a block of flats in Romania, causing a fire and injuring two people. Romanian officials confirmed the incident on Friday in the eastern town of Galați. This town is close to Romania's border with Ukraine.
The drone attack occurred near Ukraine's active war zone. Nato and European Union allies of Romania have offered their support. Nato's secretary general stated Russia's actions are a danger to all members. The head of the European Commission called it another line crossed by Russia's aggression.
This event fits into a larger pattern of conflict spillover. Russian drones have strayed into Romanian airspace before. However, this is the first time Romanian civilians have been harmed. Romania's defence ministry reported that the drone's explosive payload detonated. This caused a fire on the tenth floor of the building. About 70 people were evacuated from their homes. Two individuals suffered abrasions and needed hospital treatment.
Romania's emergency situations authority confirmed the drone's explosive load detonated completely. The building's tenth floor caught fire. Two people required medical attention for abrasions. They were taken to Galați County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Firefighters worked to put out the blaze. This required the evacuation of about 70 residents.
Romania's military responded quickly. Two F-16 fighter jets were launched. This happened after the drones were detected. Brig Gen Gheorghe Maxim noted a short timeframe. The army had only four minutes from detection to impact. The defence ministry later added that the drone was a Geran 2, also known as a Shahed 136. Its entire load seemingly exploded on impact.
Romanian forces face complex rules of engagement. Gen Maxim explained they cannot fire munitions. This is because it could violate Ukrainian airspace. He stated Romania is at peace. Therefore, they cannot launch projectiles into Ukraine. He reassured the public it was not a direct attack. It is seen as a consequence of the conflict at their border.
Romania's foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador. This was in response to the drone strike. President Nicușor Dan announced further actions. He said Romania would expel the Russian consul. This action targets the consulate in Constanța. Russia has not yet officially commented on the incident. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed by his spokesman. Romania's Supreme Defence Council convened an emergency meeting. President Dan described the strike as serious. It is the most significant event affecting Romanian territory since February 2022.
The defence council requested measures to speed up drone defence equipment transfer. This is from Nato to Romania. Nato's secretary general, Mark Rutte, spoke with President Dan. He assured Romania of the alliance's support. Rutte stated Nato stands ready to defend all allied territory. The alliance will enhance its readiness against threats, including drones. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on X. She echoed concerns about Russia's aggression crossing new lines.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, agreed. He said the incident proves Russian aggression threatens the Black Sea region and Europe. He urged more support for Ukraine. He also called for increased pressure on Russia to restore peace. Other European leaders condemned the strike. These included figures from France, the US, and Germany. Polish authorities also reported drone incidents last year. Poland involved Article 4 of the Nato Treaty for consultations. Romania's border areas near the Danube are hard to defend. Drone fragments have been found on Romanian territory 47 times. Twelve such finds occurred this year alone.