EU, NATO, Others Slam Russia As Drone Hits Romanian Apartment
The EU has hit out at Russia after a drone crashed into a Romanian apartment block, injuring two people.
The incident, which occurred in Romania’s eastern city of Galati – close to the Ukrainian border – on Friday, was described by the country’s foreign ministry as a “serious and irresponsible escalation” from the Russian Federation.
No deaths have been reported and the fire has been put out, according to emergency services.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says “Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line”, while Nato condemns “Russia’s recklessness”
Romania, which borders Ukraine, is a member of the 32-strong military alliance.
The drone crashed while Russia was carrying out attacks on Ukraine, says Romania’s foreign ministry – Moscow is yet to comment.
President Nicusor Dan describes the incident as “the most serious” to have affected Romanian territory since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022.
He has called a meeting of Romania’s Supreme Defence Council, which is due to take place at 11:00 local time (09:00 BST).
NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte has condemned “Russia’s reckless behaviour” as “a danger to us all.”
Rutte says he has assured Romanian President Nicușor Dan that Nato “stands ready to defend every inch of allied territory.”
He adds in a post on X that Russia continues to “target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine”, and “last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.”
Rutte says NATO will continue to strengthen its defence and continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan called a meeting of the country’s Supreme Council of National Defence, following what he describes as “most serious” incident to have affected Romanian territory since the war between Russia and Ukraine began.
He says the council will order “proportionate measures” relating to the Russian Federation during the meeting, which is due to take place at 11:00 local time (9:00 BST).
“I declare, with the utmost firmness, that full responsibility for this incident lies with the Russian Federation,” he writes in a post on X.
Two F-16 jets were deployed following the detection of drones in the country’s airspace.
The Romanian president says there were not the right conditions to destroy the target without further endangering civilian safety.
He adds that he has formally requested the deployment of additional anti-drone capabilities from allies. Russia has not yet commented on the incident.
