Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter after a Russian drone attack injured two people in the southeastern city of Galati. The Romanian defence ministry reported that the drone struck the roof of a 10-storey block of flats during an overnight Russian assault on neighbouring Ukraine, causing an explosion and fire. The pilots were authorised to shoot down any drones if necessary.
Details of the Incident
The Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations confirmed that the drone's entire explosive payload detonated upon impact, igniting a fire on the 10th floor. Two individuals received medical treatment at the scene, and approximately 70 residents were evacuated. The fire has since been extinguished. In a separate event, an unarmed drone was discovered near Basesti in Maramures county, northwestern Romania, and the area was secured. Authorities are investigating its origin, noting a wingspan of about 3 metres.
Ukraine's Izmail Port Targeted
Meanwhile, drones struck Ukraine's Izmail port area in the Odesa region overnight, with one becoming entangled in power lines and temporarily cutting electricity to five villages. Izmail, located near the Romanian border, hosts Ukraine's largest Danube River port and remains a frequent strategic target.
Ukraine Parliament Ratifies €90 Billion EU Loan
Ukraine's parliament ratified a €90 billion loan agreement with the European Union on Thursday, with 298 votes in favour. The financial aid, intended to bolster Kyiv's defence against Russia, overcame opposition from former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The EU will provide interest-free loans for 2026-2027, funded by borrowing on capital markets and backed by the EU budget. Ukraine is not required to repay the principal; repayment will come from Russian war reparations after the conflict ends, utilising approximately €210 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets held in the EU.
Zelensky Appeals to Trump for Air Defence
President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly written an urgent letter to Donald Trump, warning of a critical shortage of Ukraine's air defences. Two U.S. congressmen, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Jim Himes, after meeting Zelensky in Kyiv, urged the U.S. government to respond positively to the request for additional Patriot systems and interceptors. Blumenthal stated they would lobby for more air defence interceptors and tougher sanctions on Russia upon returning to Washington.
Russia Claims Village Capture; Drone Attacks from EU Direction
Russia's Defence Ministry claimed control of the settlement of Novovasylivka in the Kharkiv region, though this could not be independently verified. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that drone attacks on Russian territory from the direction of Europe and Northern European states are increasing, a claim rejected by Kyiv and the Baltic countries. Ukrainian drones also targeted energy infrastructure in Russia's Volgograd region, hitting an apartment building but causing no casualties, according to Governor Andrei Bocharov.
