NATO member Romania said today that a drone injured two people in a town in the southeastern part of the country during a Russian attack overnight targeting neighboring Ukraine—the first time in this war that a drone has struck a densely populated area in Romania causing injuries.
The incident in Romania, which is also an EU member, is likely to increase tensions in NATO’s eastern wing at a time when Ukraine’s allies are worried that the war Russia has declared on it risks spilling over the border.
The drone hit the roof of a 10-story apartment building in the city of Galati and caused an explosion, authorities said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Murch today condemned the “reckless” Russian drone attack in Romania, commenting that it showed Moscow’s intention to escalate.
He said Germany “stands by its NATO allies”. “The incident shows once again the need for a strong NATO stance in its eastern wing. We are ready to defend every inch of allied territory,” he commented.
Britain strongly condemns what it calls a serious escalation following the Russian drone incident, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote in X.
“The Russian violation of NATO airspace by striking a residential building in Romania is too dangerous and reckless. The UK strongly condemns this serious escalation that puts lives at risk,” she commented, adding that Britain stands “united with Romania and all its allies in defending every inch of NATO territory.”
A Russian drone has entered Romanian airspace and crashed into a residential building. The drone flew directly into an apartment in the city of Galați. A major fire broke out. Several people were injured in the explosion.
Over 30 emails of condemnation from NATO and the EU are… pic.twitter.com/RR1t8nJ1z9– K13 News (@K13News) May 29, 2026
Following other international reactions:
– EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANTONIO KOSTA
“Russia’s escalation on EU soil is reckless and irresponsible. I condemn in the strongest possible terms this violation of Romania’s national airspace and international law.”
“I stand in solidarity with President Nicusor Dan and the entire Romanian nation. What has happened is another episode in the hybrid war in which the countries of NATO’s eastern wing are involved. It is another signal that we need to stand together, to build our resilience, as well as a strong North Atlantic Alliance and strong transatlantic relations.”
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MARGUS CHAKNA
“It is clear that NATO’s deterrent and defensive posture, in particular its anti-aircraft defence, must be strengthened.”
Slovakian PM ROBERT FITSO
“With regard to the drone incident, I express my full solidarity with the Romanian government, call for restraint in relation to inflammatory statements and once again call for the immediate opening of a dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation.”
“The Czech Republic stands firmly on the side of our NATO partners and equally condemns the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.”
ITAL DEFENCE MINISTER GUIDO CROSSETTO
“This represents a dangerous and irresponsible escalation that cannot be tolerated. In the face of these threats, NATO’s cohesion remains unshaken: the security of one member of the Alliance and the European Union is the security of us all.”
BELGIUS SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MAXIM PREVO
“A weapon of war striking an apartment building in an EU member state and NATO ally is a dangerous escalation that concerns us all.”
HUNGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANITA ORBAN
“Yesterday’s attack by a Russian drone underscores once again that the unity, strength and deterrence of Europe and NATO are more important than ever.”
