A Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people and drawing swift condemnation from NATO, the European Union, Moldova and the United States, with NATO's chief vowing "absolute solidarity" with the alliance member.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense following the incident in the city of Galați on the Danube River, calling it the "most serious incident to affect the national territory since the start of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine."
"Full responsibility for this incident lies with the Russian Federation," Dan said. "What happened today in Galați is the direct consequence of Russia's war of aggression unleashed against Ukraine, the irresponsible and indiscriminate manner in which Moscow operates these weapon systems in the immediate vicinity of NATO borders, as well as the systematic disregard for international law."
The president said Romania will order "proportionate measures" in relation to Russia, including formally requesting allies to deploy additional anti-drone capabilities on national territory and informing the UN Security Council.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he had assured Romania's president of the alliance's "absolute solidarity."
"Russia's reckless behaviour is a danger to us all," Rutte wrote on social media. "I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory."
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the incident a "blatant and serious violation of Romania's sovereignty and European airspace" after speaking with Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Toiu.
"Russia has long ago stopped respecting borders. Moscow cannot be allowed to breach European airspace with impunity," Kallas said.
The Netherlands also condemned the strike, with Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen stating that Russia was showing "reckless disregard for civilian life."
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, whose country is sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, said on X: "I strongly condemn Russian drones striking Romanians in their homes. This is grave. Russia is a danger to all and must be stopped."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the incident showed Russia "has crossed yet another line," announcing that the EU is drafting its 21st package of sanctions against Moscow.
Romanian authorities said the decision not to shoot down the drone was taken because "the conditions did not exist to destroy it without the heightened risk of endangering civilian safety." Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter and has requested a faster transfer of anti-drone capabilities from NATO.
Ukrainian forces shot down 217 of 232 drones launched by Russia overnight, along with one ballistic missile.
