‘Crossed Yet Another Line’: EU And NATO React After Russian Drone Hits Romania Home

NATO, the EU, and regional leaders have condemned what they called a “reckless” Russian escalation after a drone struck an apartment building in Romania’s Galati region, injuring two people and triggering a fire near the Ukrainian border.

Friday morning, Romania’s defense ministry said the incident occurred overnight during Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube frontier.

One drone crossed into Romanian airspace, was tracked by radar, and ultimately crashed onto a residential building, setting it ablaze before emergency services extinguished the fire.

“This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation,” Romania’s defense ministry said, adding that Bucharest had informed NATO and requested accelerated deployment of anti-drone capabilities.

Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after multiple drone incursions were detected. The injured residents were hospitalised.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart condemned Moscow’s “recklessness,” saying alliance chief Mark Rutte was in contact with Romanian authorities. The alliance said it would continue strengthening defences against drone threats across its eastern flank.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia’s war had “crossed yet another line,” pledging solidarity with Romania and a tougher response.

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Russia Says It Downed 419 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Including 56 Bound for Moscow

The latest wave came just days after Russia claimed it had shot down 660 Ukrainian drones between June 25 and June 26, one of the highest daily totals reported since the start of the full-scale war.

Romanian authorities said the incident marked the first time a drone had directly struck a residential building in the country, despite repeated airspace violations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu called the strike “grave,” warning that Russia poses a broader regional threat.

Romania has summoned the Russian ambassador following the incident, further escalating diplomatic tensions as the war in Ukraine continues to spill deeper into Europe’s borders.