NATO Member Romania Says Russian Drone Hit Apartment Building Injuring 2

Romania has confirmed that a Russian drone struck a residential apartment building in the eastern city of Galați, injuring two civilians and triggering strong reactions from NATO leaders and European officials. The incident happened during a large overnight Russian drone attack targeting infrastructure sites in neighboring Ukraine near the Danube River region.

According to Romanian authorities, the drone entered Romanian airspace before crashing into a 10-storey apartment building close to the Ukrainian border. The impact caused a fire on the roof of the building and forced emergency teams to evacuate dozens of residents from the area. Officials confirmed that a woman and a child suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Romania’s Defence Ministry said radar systems tracked the drone as it crossed into national territory during Russia’s attack on Ukrainian targets. The Romanian military immediately scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter after the airspace violation was detected. Authorities also sent emergency warning messages to people living near the affected region. However, officials said the drone flew at a very low altitude, making interception difficult before it struck the building.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan strongly condemned the incident and called it one of the most serious security events on Romanian soil since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. The Romanian government summoned the Russian ambassador and held emergency defence discussions after the strike. Officials described the drone’s entry into Romanian territory as a serious violation of international law and national sovereignty.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also reacted strongly to the incident and said the alliance remains fully prepared to defend every part of NATO territory. European Union leaders condemned Russia’s actions and warned that attacks near NATO borders are increasing risks of wider regional instability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had “crossed another line” after the strike injured civilians inside a NATO member country.

This is not the first time Russian drones or drone debris have entered Romanian territory during the war. Romanian officials say there have already been multiple airspace violations over the past few years, especially during Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports near the border. However, this latest attack is considered especially serious because civilians inside Romania were directly injured after a drone hit a populated residential building.

The city of Galați is located near both the Ukrainian and Moldovan borders and has become increasingly sensitive because of nearby military activity linked to the war. Analysts believe the incident could push NATO to strengthen air defence systems across Eastern Europe and increase pressure on Russia over border security concerns.

Russia has not officially accepted responsibility for the strike, but Romanian authorities confirmed that the drone was linked to the broader Russian attack operation targeting Ukraine overnight. The incident has now raised fresh concerns across Europe about the possibility of the Ukraine war spilling further into NATO territory if such attacks continue in the future.