A Russian drone struck a residential apartment block in eastern Romania on Friday, injuring two people and prompting strong condemnation from NATO and European Union leaders after what Romanian officials described as the most serious wartime incident to affect the country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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The drone hit a high-rise building in the city of Galați, close to Romania’s border with Ukraine, causing a fire and forcing the evacuation of around 70 residents. Romanian emergency authorities said the drone’s full explosive payload detonated upon impact, igniting a blaze on the building’s 10th floor.
Residents Injured as Building Evacuated
Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control.
Romania’s Defence Ministry said two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after drones were detected approaching the area. Brigadier General Gheorghe Maxim said military personnel had only four minutes between detecting the drone and its impact.
Officials identified the aircraft as a Geran-2 drone, known internationally as the Shahed-136. According to the ministry, the drone’s entire explosive load exploded when it struck the building.
Romania Points to Deflected Flight Path
President Nicușor Dan said the drone likely altered course after being hit by Ukrainian air defences over Ukrainian territory.
Speaking during a visit to Galați, Dan said one drone from a group of 43 incoming aircraft appeared to have been struck above the Ukrainian city of Reni, changing its trajectory before it crossed into Romania.
Romanian military officials stressed that their forces face operational restrictions because they cannot fire weapons into Ukrainian airspace.
Authorities also sought to reassure residents that Romania had not been deliberately targeted, describing the incident as a consequence of fighting taking place close to the border.
NATO and EU Express Support
Dan convened an emergency meeting of Romania’s Supreme Defence Council and announced plans to expel Russia’s consul in Constanța and close the consulate. Moscow later indicated it would respond.
Romania’s Foreign Ministry said it had requested faster delivery of anti-drone capabilities from NATO.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance stood ready to defend all allied territory and would continue strengthening its defences against drone threats.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as another escalation resulting from Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said the strike demonstrated that Russian aggression remained a threat to the wider Black Sea region and called for increased support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later said he had spoken with Dan and pledged continued cooperation to protect against Russian threats.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident a serious violation of NATO airspace and reaffirmed Britain's support for Romania, Ukraine and other alliance members.
Putin Questions Drone's Origin
Speaking later on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had only recently learned of the incident and suggested the drone wreckage be handed to Russia for an independent investigation. He also noted previous incidents involving Ukrainian drones entering EU countries.
Romania has experienced numerous drone incursions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Defence Ministry says drone fragments have been discovered on Romanian territory 47 times during the war, including 12 occasions this year.
The border region around Galați, opposite the Ukrainian ports of Reni and Izmail on the Danube River, remains particularly vulnerable during Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026
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