A Russian drone entered Romanian airspace overnight and crashed onto the roof of an apartment building, according to authorities.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defense said the drone was one of several detected by the country’s radar system flying near its border with Ukraine, where it said Russia was planning to strike civilian and infrastructure targets.
The drone was tracked as far as the southern city of Galați, near the border with Ukraine and Moldavia. The drone later fell on a 10-story building, causing a “loud explosion” that was heard by most of the city’s residents, according to local news site Radio Romania.
Two people sustained minor injuries and several residents required medical attention, according to Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Toiu Oana. A fire that followed the explosion was quickly extinguished.
“This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation by the Russian Federation,” Oana wrote on X. “Romania will take the necessary diplomatic response measures regarding this serious violation of international law and of its airspace.”
She added: “Romania has informed European member states, the Allies and the NATO Secretary General of the circumstances and has requested measures to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to Romania. The Russian Federation bears direct responsibility for these grave and irresponsible actions.”
A NATO spokesperson said that the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, was in touch with Romanian authorities. “We condemn Russia’s recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defenses against all threats, including drones,” the spokesperson wrote on X.
It is the second time that a drone has fallen in the Galați area, after a first incident occurred on April 25, which led to the evacuation of more than 200 residents.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
Read the full article here
