Romania’s Foreign Ministry has officially summoned the Russian ambassador following the recent incident involving the crash of a Russian drone into an apartment building in Galați, an eastern Romanian city.
“A russian drone carrying explosives, involved in the bombing of infrastructure in Ukraine crashed in Galați, Romania, causing a fire on the roof of a residential apartment building. Two persons sustained minor injuries and several residents required medical attention, the building was evacuated,” announced Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu.
Minister Toiu added that two aircraft and a helicopter from the Romanian Air Force were deployed in response to Russian drones detected on radar. Two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter were authorised to engage as necessary.
“This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation by the Russian Federation,” emphasised the minister.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the Russian Federation of engaging in actions that constitute a “serious and irresponsible escalation” of the current situation. In a formal statement, the Ministry indicated, “This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation.” Furthermore, Romania has informed European member states, its allies, and the NATO Secretary General about the situation, requesting expedited measures to transfer anti-drone warfare assets to its territory.
“The Russian Federation bears direct responsibility for these grave and irresponsible actions. Romania will act with the utmost determination to increase international pressure on the Russian Federation with a view to achieving an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire,” added Minister Toiu.
Earlier reports from the Romanian Ministry of Defence confirmed that a Russian drone had entered Romanian airspace and subsequently crashed onto the roof of an apartment building in Galați, resulting in a fire. Local authorities evacuated residents from the affected area. Emergency services and police have been deployed to the scene to manage the situation.
Furthermore, Latvia has condemned the drone incident in Galați. President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed “full solidarity with our ally, Romania,” and conveyed readiness to take necessary actions to prevent similar violations in the future. He extended wishes for a swift recovery to those injured.
The Ukrainian Air Force recently reported detecting 16 Russian Shahed drones near the Odesa region, heading towards Reni, about 20 kilometres from Galați. Romanian television channel TVR reported that a drone without explosives was found near Băsești in northwestern Romania. Authorities have secured the area and are investigating its origins.
This incident follows an April event when a Russian drone violated Romanian airspace and crashed in Galați, prompting the Russian ambassador’s summons. In February, Romania deployed fighter jets to monitor the situation due to ongoing Russian military actions against Ukraine. Ukrainian air defences also intercepted a drone just 100 meters from the Romanian village of Chilia Veche, on the other side of the Danube River.
