A Russian drone struck a 10-storey apartment building in Galați, Romania on Friday, injuring a 14-year-old boy and a 53-year-old woman and forcing the evacuation of 70 residents. It was the 28th time Russian drones have entered Romanian airspace since Moscow began attacking Ukrainian Black Sea ports. It was the first time they drew blood.
The Strike
Romania's Defense Ministry confirmed that the drone entered Romanian airspace during an overnight Russian attack on Ukraine's Odesa region and crashed into the residential building in central Galați, roughly 10 miles from the Ukrainian border. The explosive charge detonated on impact, starting a fire. Romanian authorities evacuated 70 residents from the building. The government identified the drone as a Russian "Shahed" equivalent, the same design Russia has deployed across Ukraine throughout the war.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strike and addressed Romania directly: "One of the drones, essentially a 'shahed' equivalent, also struck an ordinary residential building in Romania. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. We are ready to support Romania in whatever way is necessary under these circumstances."
Romania's Response: Consul Out, Consulate Closed
Romania's President Nicușor Dan announced that Russia's consul general in Constanța has been declared persona non grata and that the Russian Consulate General in the city will be closed. The Foreign Ministry labeled the drone's flight a "serious violation of international law" and invoked Article 4 of the NATO charter, triggering formal consultations with allies. Romania also formally requested that NATO accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities, specifically low-altitude radars and interceptor drones.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that Moscow would respond "swiftly" to Romania's decision to close the consulate.
NATO and Europe React
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he spoke personally with President Dan after the strike. His statement:
"NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones. Russia's reckless behaviour is a danger to us all."
The EU and European allies condemned the strike broadly. Romania has recorded 28 Russian drone incursions into its airspace since Moscow began targeting Odesa-region shipping across the Danube. For 27 of those 28 incidents, Bucharest absorbed the violations without expelling a diplomat. The 28th put two civilians in the hospital and the Russian consul on a flight home.
Romania has asked NATO for faster anti-drone transfers. Article 4 consultations have begun. The Russian consul in Constanța is gone. All of it required 28 incursions, a fire in a residential building, and a 14-year-old in hospital.
Sources
- Russian drone hits residential building in Romania, posing test for NATO — Washington Post
- Russian drone launched against Ukraine crashes in Romania, injuring 2 — NPR
- NATO condemns Russia's 'reckless behavior' after drone strike in Romania — Kyiv Independent
- NATO chief says alliance 'ready to defend every inch of Allied territory' — CNBC
- Romania closes Russian consulate and expels consul after drone incident — Ukrayinska Pravda
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