A Russian drone launched against Ukraine crashed into an apartment building in Galati, eastern Romania, a NATO member state, leaving two people injured. The incident occurred overnight, prompting immediate condemnation from Romanian and EU leaders.
Romanian President Responds
Romania’s President Nicusor Dan has called a meeting of the national security council for this morning to discuss the response, stating he will “order proportionate measures.” Separately, Romania summoned the Russian ambassador in protest.
Dan expressed fury on social media, declaring: “What happened today in Galati is the direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression unleashed against Ukraine, the irresponsible and indiscriminate manner in which Moscow operates these weapon systems in the immediate vicinity of NATO borders, as well as the systematic disregard for international law. There is no ambiguity regarding the perpetrator or the cause of this aggression.” He added: “Romania is a NATO member state and will not accept, in any way, the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine to be transferred on to its citizens.”
EU Condemnation
The incident drew immediate and widespread condemnation from top EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line. A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians. On EU territory,” she said. Von der Leyen added that the EU “will keep increasing the pressure on Russia,” and is “preparing a 21st package of sanctions.”
Other News
The overnight attack will dominate headlines today. In other news, we will also follow the new Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s visit to Brussels for crunch talks with the European Commission, and the latest on the May heatwave affecting large parts of Europe.
