Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has declared the alliance ready to defend 'every inch' of its territory after a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania, a Nato member state, during an overnight attack on Ukraine. The incident in Galați injured two people and prompted swift condemnation from Romanian and European leaders.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan convened an emergency meeting of the country's supreme council of national defence, and the foreign ministry summoned Russia's ambassador. Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu warned of consequences for diplomatic relations and said Romania would push for further EU sanctions against Russia.
Romania's defence ministry confirmed the drone was tracked by radar in Romanian airspace before crashing into a residential building, sparking a fire and forcing evacuations. The military scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter authorised to engage targets, while emergency alerts were issued to residents.
Romania has asked Nato to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities and suggested it may invoke Article 4 of the Nato treaty, which triggers formal consultations on threats to a member's security. The foreign ministry described the strike as a 'grave and irresponsible escalation' and a serious breach of international law.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denied involvement, suggesting without evidence that the drone might have been a stray Ukrainian weapon. However, Nato and EU leaders condemned the attack, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that Russia's 'war of aggression has crossed yet another line.'
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the incident proved Russia poses a real threat to the Black Sea region and all of Europe. The strike is the latest example of the war in Ukraine spilling beyond its borders, amid growing concern over Russia's hybrid warfare across Europe.
