Russian Drone Strikes Romanian Apartment Building, Injuring Two

A Russian drone carrying explosives struck the roof of an apartment building in the eastern Romanian city of Galati early Friday, injuring two residents and igniting a fire that forced the evacuation of 70 people. The incident occurred during a Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine and marked the most serious violation of Romanian territory since the war began in 2022.

Romanian radar detected the drone entering national airspace, leading authorities to scramble two F-16 fighter jets and an IAR-330 helicopter. Officials chose not to shoot it down over populated areas to avoid greater civilian risk. The drone crashed into a residential structure, causing minor injuries treated at a local hospital and prompting emergency services to clear the building.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan convened an emergency session of the Supreme Council of National Defense to address the event. Foreign Minister Oana Toiu described the strike as a serious and irresponsible escalation by Russia. The foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador and signaled that consequences for diplomatic relations would follow. Romania also requested accelerated delivery of anti-drone systems from NATO partners and moved to finalize a contract for such defenses under an European Union program.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance stands ready to defend every inch of allied territory following the incident. He spoke directly with Dan and condemned Russia's actions as reckless and a danger to all. Similar drone and airspace incursions have been reported in recent months by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, with one such episode contributing to a government collapse in Latvia.

Sweden separately announced it would donate 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine by next year, with Ukraine set to purchase an additional 20 of the upgraded model. The move came during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a Swedish airbase.

The Galati strike fits a pattern of the Ukraine conflict extending into NATO member states along the eastern flank. Romanian officials noted that the country had previously tracked drones flying near its borders but had not experienced a direct impact until now. Defense authorities emphasized that the decision to track rather than engage the drone reflected standard precautions for civilian safety.

Romania, a NATO member since 2004, has supported Ukraine through equipment and logistics while maintaining its own border security. The latest event has accelerated calls within Bucharest for enhanced defensive capabilities against unmanned aerial threats.