In the city of Galati, Romania, a fire broke out after a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building, injuring two people.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that during Russia's attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets near the Ukrainian border, a drone entered Romanian airspace. The explosive-laden drone, tracked by radar, reportedly crashed onto the roof of an apartment building in the eastern city of Galati. The impact caused a fire in the building, with two people sustaining minor injuries and being treated, while other residents were evacuated.
The Ministry of Defense noted that an alert was issued following the drone's entry into airspace. Two F-16 fighter jets and an IAR 330 SOCAT helicopter belonging to the Romanian Air Force were deployed, with pilots authorized to engage targets during the flight. Additionally, emergency messages were broadcast to warn the public in the regions of Tulcea, Galati, and Braila.
RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO MINISTRY
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu described the incident as a 'serious and irresponsible step' by Russia and a grave violation of international law and Romanian airspace. Toiu stated that the Ministry of Defense had definitively confirmed the drone belonged to Russia and that the Russian Ambassador in Bucharest was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Toiu also mentioned that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European allies were informed, and they requested the expedited delivery of anti-drone systems to Romania.
Following the incident, Romanian President Nicuşor Dan called for an emergency meeting of the Supreme National Defense Council. Foreign Minister Toiu also emphasized that steps would be taken at the European level regarding new sanction packages against Russia.
