A Russian drone struck an apartment building in the southeastern Romanian city of Galați, near the Ukrainian border, injuring at least two civilians and sparking a fire in what officials are calling one of the most serious security incidents on NATO territory since the start of the Ukraine war.
Romanian authorities said the drone entered national airspace during a broader Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure before crashing into a 10-storey residential block late Thursday night. The impact caused an explosion and fire that damaged multiple apartments and forced the evacuation of dozens of residents.
Among the injured were a woman and a child, both of whom sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene or taken to hospital for observation, according to emergency officials. Around 70 residents were evacuated as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and secure the structure.
NATO condemns “reckless behaviour”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte strongly condemned the incident, describing Russia’s actions as “reckless behaviour” and reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to defend every inch of allied territory. However, he did not indicate that Article 5 the alliance’s collective defence clause would be invoked.
Romania’s government also convened its Supreme Defence Council following the strike and summoned the Russian ambassador in protest. Romanian President Nicușor Dan called the incident “the most serious security incident to occur on Romanian territory since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
Fighter jets scrambled as drone crosses border
Romanian air defence systems tracked the drone as it crossed into national airspace. The military scrambled F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter to monitor the situation, with orders to shoot down the drone if it posed a direct threat. However, officials said the drone’s low altitude and proximity to civilian areas made interception too risky.
The drone reportedly remained inside Romanian airspace for several minutes before striking the residential building and detonating on impact, triggering a fire in a top-floor apartment.
Growing concern over spillover from Ukraine war
Romania, which shares a long border with Ukraine and is a NATO and EU member, has reported dozens of drone incursions since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, many linked to attacks on Ukrainian Danube River ports just across the border.
This latest incident marks the first time civilians inside a NATO country have been injured by a drone strike linked to the war, significantly escalating concerns that the conflict is spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders.
European leaders and NATO officials have warned that such incidents increase the risk of miscalculation and further escalation, while also highlighting gaps in air defence systems designed to counter low-flying drones.
Investigation underway
Romanian authorities are continuing to investigate the exact trajectory and origin of the drone, while assessing structural damage to the apartment block. Emergency crews remain on site to ensure the building is safe for re-entry.
Russia has not yet issued an official response to the incident.
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