Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing a 'new massive attack' just hours after a Russian drone struck a Romanian apartment block overnight, injuring two people. Posting on X, Zelensky stated the issue 'concerns both the United States and Europe.'
In a swift rebuff on Friday evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia 'has never threatened and is not threatening European countries.' Zelensky reiterated his remarks in a video message, saying: 'We have intel indicating that Russia is preparing a new massive attack. Please pay attention to air raid alerts and stay safe. Air defense and the continued need to help Ukraine protect its skies are our key priorities. I am grateful to every partner, every leader, and every country that is ready to help and that implements our arrangements in full.'
NATO Response
NATO has vowed to 'defend every inch of allied territory' following the direct hit on a Romanian apartment block during a night-time assault on neighbouring Ukraine. Following the incident in Galati, western Romania, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga declared Putin a 'real threat' to the entirety of Europe. The episode marked the first time in the war that a drone had hit a densely populated area in Romania and caused injuries.
It is likely to increase tensions on NATO's eastern flank at a time when Ukraine's allies are worried about Moscow's war spilling over its borders. The drone hit the roof of a ten-storey block of flats and caused an explosion, leading to the evacuation of 70 residents.
'Russia's reckless behaviour is a danger to us all,' NATO chief Mark Rutte said after a call with Romanian President Nicuşor Dan. 'I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of allied territory.'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined the chorus of condemnation, saying Russia's 'war of aggression has crossed yet another line.' Romania called the strike a 'grave and irresponsible escalation.'
Diplomatic Measures
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said: 'Romania will take the necessary diplomatic measures in response to this serious violation of international law and its airspace. Romania has informed the Allies and the NATO Secretary General of the circumstances and has requested measures to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to Romania.' She announced in a television interview that the drone crash 'falls into the category of incidents that justify the use of instruments' like NATO's Article 4.
The defence ministry said it scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter to monitor the attack, adding the pilots were authorised to shoot down any drones. Residents of border counties Braila, Galati and Tulcea were warned to take cover.
Romanian law allows it to shoot down drones during peacetime if lives or property are at risk, but it has not yet done so. Ukrainian drones have strayed into Baltic countries' airspace in recent weeks, sowing confusion and raising tensions with Russia.
Details of the Incident
In Friday's incident, a fire broke out in a tenth-floor apartment after the drone struck the building's roof and exploded. Two people were receiving medical treatment on-site. State news agency Agerpres cited Galati's emergency response agency as saying a woman and her child had been taken to hospital with minor injuries, while two others had been treated on site for panic attacks.
The drone's entire explosive payload detonated, and the fire was extinguished. The defence ministry said radar lost contact with the drone as it entered Galati because it was flying very low to the ground. Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat told private broadcaster Digi24 the drone affected two building stairwells and damaged five cars.
NATO spokesman Allison Hart said: 'We condemn Russia's recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones.'
French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad condemned the incident and said Russia posed a threat to European security: 'Russia has not only attacked Ukraine, but also threatened the European security architecture. A Russian drone crashed in Romania again last night, posing a threat through its interference.'
Further Developments
Romania has summoned Russia's ambassador for urgent talks. Toiu added: 'The decision was taken following the incident of major gravity, and we will officially communicate to him the effects that this lack of responsibility on the part of the Russian Federation will have on the diplomatic relations between our countries and the next steps at the European level regarding packages of sanctions.'
In a separate incident, a drone without an explosive charge was found around Basesti in Maramures county in north-western Romania, and the area was secured. Local authorities in southern Ukraine said the Izmail port in the Odesa region came under attack from several drones early on Friday. Galati was last hit in April, when a drone damaged an electricity pole and a household annex, prompting evacuations.
