An explosive-laden drone crashed into the roof of an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galați early on Friday, causing an explosion and fire that injured several civilians, according to Romanian news agency Agerpres.
The impact sparked a blaze in a tenth-floor apartment where two residents were staying at the time. Both managed to escape safely. Around 70 residents evacuated the building either on their own or with the assistance of emergency responders.
Military firefighters extinguished the fire, while four residents required medical attention. Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital, while two others were treated at the scene for panic attacks.
The incident triggered strong reactions from senior European Union officials, who described the strike as a serious escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen said Russia’s war had crossed another line by striking a densely populated neighbourhood on EU territory and injuring civilians.
In a statement posted on social media, the president of the European Commission said the EU would continue strengthening security and deterrence along its eastern border while increasing pressure on Russia. She added that the bloc was preparing its 21st sanctions package against Moscow.
António Costa expressed solidarity with Romania and condemned what he described as a violation of Romanian airspace and international law. He said extending the war onto EU territory was reckless and irresponsible.
Kaja Kallas called the incident a clear and serious violation of Romania’s sovereignty and European airspace. She said she had spoken with Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu following the strike and reiterated the EU’s support for Romania.
‘Russia has long ago stopped respecting borders,’ Kallas wrote, adding that Moscow could not violate European airspace without consequences.
Romania’s foreign ministry later summoned Russia’s ambassador to Bucharest. Oana Toiu said Romanian authorities had confirmed the drone was of Russian origin.
The minister stated that Romania would formally inform the ambassador that the incident would have consequences for bilateral diplomatic relations and would also influence discussions around future EU sanctions against Russia.
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