Drone Hits Romanian Building; Putin Questions Origin

Romanian authorities reported that a drone strike hit an apartment building overnight, resulting in injuries to two people and igniting a fire. Officials in Romania identified the drone as Russian, adding a layer of tension to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

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Before entering this hall, I learned that something happened with, as they say, our drone.

Responding to the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking from Astana, Kazakhstan, expressed skepticism about the drone's origin. "No one can say what the origin of one or another aircraft is until the investigation of that aircraft is carried out," Putin stated at a press conference. He added that Russia would evaluate the situation "if they provide us with any objective data."

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No one can say what the origin of one or another aircraft is until the investigation of that aircraft is carried out.

Since the start of Russia's conflict with Ukraine in 2022, Romania, a NATO member, has recorded dozens of unauthorized drone incursions into its airspace. However, this latest incident is particularly significant as it is the first time a drone has struck a residential building within the country. The event underscores the potential risks of the conflict spilling over into neighboring territories, even as Romania maintains its official stance on the drone's origin.

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If they provide us with any objective data... in such a case, we will assess what happened.