EU's von der Leyen condemns Russian aggression after drone hits Romania

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced strong solidarity with Romania after a Russian drone struck a populated area in the city of Galati, injuring civilians.

"Russia's war of aggression has crossed another line," von der Leyen stated Friday. "A Russian drone hit a populated area in Romania and injured civilians. On EU territory. We are in solidarity with Romania and the Romanian people."

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Russia's war of aggression has crossed another line. A Russian drone hit a populated area in Romania and injured civilians. On EU territory. We are in solidarity with Romania and the Romanian people.

She announced that the European Union is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also reacted to the incident, where a Russian-made drone crashed onto an apartment building, causing injuries. "Early this morning, an apartment block in Romania was hit by a drone as Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure near the border," a NATO spokesperson said on X. "NATO Secretary General is in contact with Romanian authorities. We condemn Russia's recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen its defenses against all threats, including drones."

The drone crashed late Friday night onto a building in Galati, leading to an explosion and fire in an apartment on the 10th floor. A RO-Alert message was issued for the surrounding areas. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital, while two others received on-site medical attention for panic attacks.

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Early this morning, an apartment block in Romania was hit by a drone as Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure near the border. NATO Secretary General is in contact with Romanian authorities. We condemn Russia's recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen its defenses against all threats, including drones.