Russian drone injures 2 in Romania, sparking outcry by EU and NATO members

Romania reported that a Russian drone strike on Wednesday night injured two people in the southeastern city of Galati, marking a significant escalation and the first instance of casualties from a drone attack within a densely populated area of a NATO member state.

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We condemn Russia’s recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defenses against all threats, including drones.

The incident, which occurred during Russia's ongoing attacks on neighboring Ukraine, has heightened concerns about the war's potential spillover into allied territory. NATO condemned Russia's "recklessness" and vowed to strengthen defenses against such threats. Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Toiu labeled the event a "serious violation of international law" and confirmed that the Russian ambassador had been summoned to the foreign ministry. Bucharest has formally requested measures to expedite the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to the country.

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Initial information indicates that the entire load of the Geran 2 drone, of Russian origin, exploded upon impact.

Romanian authorities stated that the drone, identified as a Geran 2 of Russian origin, struck the roof of a 10-story apartment building, causing an explosion. This marks the 28th time since Russia began attacking Ukraine's Danube River ports that Russian drones have breached Romanian airspace, according to the defense ministry. European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen described the attack as Russia having "crossed yet another line."

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Serious violation of international law

In response to the attack, Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter. Residents in the border counties of Braila, Galati, and Tulcea were advised to take shelter. Brigadier General Gheorghe Maxim noted that the drone flew low for four minutes, making it difficult to detect by radar. While a U.S. anti-drone system is operational in Romania, it was deemed too risky to deploy in the city during the incident. The drone's impact ignited a fire in a 10th-floor apartment, and emergency services reported that two individuals received on-site medical treatment, while 70 people were evacuated.

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Russia has crossed yet another line.