NATO confirms Russian drone crashed in Romania's Galați

NATO has officially confirmed that a drone which crashed into an apartment building in Galați, Romania, was of Russian origin and identified as a "Geran-2" model. The confirmation came from Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SHAPE), on Friday, May 29.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence also identified the downed aircraft as a Russian-made "Geran-2." While fighter jets were authorized to open fire on the drone, they did not engage it. This decision was made to avoid potential damage within Galați or the possibility of projectiles crossing into other countries, which could have been misinterpreted as Romania's direct involvement in the Ukraine war.

The drone crashed into a 10th-floor apartment building late Friday night, causing an explosion and a fire. Two people were injured and hospitalized, and approximately 70 residents were evacuated. The incident is considered the most severe of its kind on Romanian territory since the conflict in Ukraine began.

In response, Romania's President announced the expulsion of the Russian Federation's Consul General in Constanța and the closure of the consulate. He attributed full responsibility to Moscow, condemned Romanian political leaders who attempt to excuse Russia's actions, and declared urgent measures to accelerate anti-aircraft and anti-drone defense programs in partnership with NATO, the U.S., and Ukraine.