NATO member Romania reported on Friday that a drone injured two people in the southeastern city of Galati during an overnight Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine. This marks the first time in the conflict that a drone has struck a densely populated area in Romania and caused injuries.
Incident Details
The drone hit the roof of a 10-storey block of flats in Galati, causing an explosion, according to authorities. The incident, occurring in a NATO and EU member state, is likely to heighten tensions on the alliance's eastern flank, particularly as Ukraine's allies express concerns about the war spilling over borders.
Romania's Response
Romania's defense ministry stated that Russian drones have breached its airspace 28 times since Moscow began targeting Ukrainian ports across the Danube River. Drone fragments have been recovered 47 times within Romania.
Foreign Minister Oana Toiu announced on X that Romania would take necessary diplomatic measures in response to this serious violation of international law and its airspace. She added that Romania has informed NATO allies and the Secretary General, requesting measures to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to Romania.
The defense ministry scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter to monitor the attack, with pilots authorized to shoot down any drones. Residents of border counties Braila, Galati, and Tulcea were warned to take cover.
Casualties and Damage
Romania's emergency response agency reported that a fire broke out in a 10th-floor apartment after the drone struck the building's roof and exploded. Two people received medical treatment on site, and 70 people were evacuated. State news agency Agerpres cited local emergency services as saying a woman and her child were taken to hospital with minor injuries, while two others were treated for panic attacks.
The drone's entire explosive payload detonated, and the fire was extinguished. The defense ministry noted that radar lost contact with the drone as it entered Galati due to its low altitude.
Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat told Digi24 that the drone affected two building stairwells and damaged five cars.
Separate Incident
In a separate incident, a drone without an explosive charge was found near Basesti in Maramures county, northwestern Romania. The area was secured, and authorities are investigating the drone's origin, which reportedly has a wingspan of about 3 meters.
Context and Broader Implications
Ukrainian drones have also strayed into Baltic countries' airspace in recent weeks, raising tensions with Russia. Meanwhile, local authorities in southern Ukraine reported that the Izmail port in the Odesa region came under attack from several drones early on Friday. Izmail, near the Romanian border, is a key Ukrainian port on the Danube River and a frequent target.
Galati was last hit in April, when a drone damaged an electricity pole and a household annex, prompting evacuations. Officials retrieved that drone to detonate its unexploded payload remotely.
