Romania summoned Russia’s ambassador on Friday after a drone identified by Romanian authorities as Russian crashed into a residential building in the southeastern city of Galati, injuring two people.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said in a post on the US social media platform X that the Russian envoy was called to the Foreign Ministry following an “extremely serious incident.”
“We have confirmation from the Ministry of National Defense that the drone which crashed into a residential building in Galati was of Russian origin,” Toiu said.
According to Romanian authorities, a Russian drone struck a 10-story apartment block in the early hours of Friday, causing an explosion and fire that injured two people.
“Romania’s security is our absolute priority,” Toiu said.
She added that Bucharest would formally communicate the consequences the incident would have for diplomatic relations with Russia, as well as discuss “the next steps at the European level regarding sanctions packages.”
Toiu also said Romanian President Nicusor Dan convened the Supreme Council of National Defense on Friday morning following the incident.
President Nicusor Dan said in a post on X that "the unprecedented nature of the event demands a firm, coordinated, and appropriate response—at the national, allied, and international levels."
Describing the Galati incident as "the direct consequence of Russia's war of aggression unleashed against Ukraine," Dan said Romania would request additional allied anti-drone capabilities, inform the UN Security Council and consider measures affecting relations with Russia.
The latest incident is a result of "the irresponsible and indiscriminate manner in which Moscow operates these weapon systems in the immediate vicinity of NATO borders," Dan said.
He said Romania did not down the drone because there was a high risk of endangering civilian safety.
NATO, EU condemn attack
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said on X that the alliance condemns Russia's “recklessness.”
"NATO will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones," she said, adding the alliance's secretary-general is in touch with Romanian authorities.
Later, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he had assured Romania's president of the alliance's “absolute solidarity” and reaffirmed that NATO stood ready to defend “every inch of Allied territory.”
"Russia’s war needs to end, as does Russia’s disregard for civilian safety," he said on X. "For our part, we will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defence at home and continue our support for Ukraine as they defend against Russia’s aggression."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for her part, said the drone strike had injured civilians “on EU territory” and pledged continued pressure on Moscow, including preparations for a 21st sanctions package.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called, in an X post, the incident “a blatant and serious violation of Romania's sovereignty and European airspace.”
"Russia has long ago stopped respecting borders. Moscow cannot be allowed to breach European airspace with impunity," Kallas stressed.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen also condemned the strike, saying Russia had once again shown its “reckless disregard for civilian life” and reaffirming Dutch support for strengthening NATO's eastern flank, as well as continued support for Romania and Ukraine.
Several European leaders also separately warned that the drone strike highlighted the broader security risks posed by Russia's war against Ukraine.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned what he described as an “irresponsible act by Russia” and announced that Russia's ambassador had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Paris.
He told France Inter radio that the incident would “in no way” weaken France's support for Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia's “reckless drone incursion” demonstrated Moscow's “willingness to escalate.”
He added, in an X post, that the incident underscored the need for a strong NATO posture on the alliance's eastern flank and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to defend “every inch of Allied territory.”
Additionally, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Russia's “reckless behavior continues to threaten our collective security.” He said Germany stands with Romania and would continue to strengthen support for Ukraine and European defense within NATO.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, for his part, condemned the drone incursion and said he stood in “solidarity and support” with Romania as an EU partner and NATO ally.
He added that Spain would continue supporting peace in Ukraine and European security.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also joined the condemnation, describing the incident as “extremely dangerous and reckless” on X.
She said the UK “strongly condemns this grave escalation” and stands united with Romania and its allies to defend NATO territory.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also “strongly” condemned the violation of Romanian airspace and expressed solidarity with the Romanian government.
"Once again, the Italian government calls on the Russian Federation to commit seriously to a just and lasting peace," he said on X.
