By Blessing Nweke
A Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania early Friday, injuring two people and sparking a fire, according to Romanian authorities. The incident marks the first time civilians in the NATO member state have been wounded by a drone linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Romania’s defence ministry said the drone struck a residential building in the city of Galati during a wave of Russian attacks targeting areas near the Ukrainian border. Emergency officials said the drone’s explosive payload fully detonated after impact, igniting a blaze on the 10th floor of the apartment block.
Two residents were treated for minor injuries, including abrasions, while around 70 people were evacuated as firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Romania’s foreign ministry condemned the incident, calling it a “serious and irresponsible escalation” by Russia. Bucharest said it had informed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and requested faster delivery of anti-drone defence systems.
A NATO spokesperson also criticised what it described as “Russia’s recklessness,” adding that the alliance would continue strengthening its air defences against drone threats.
Romanian officials said two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after drones were detected entering Romanian airspace. One drone was tracked by radar until it crashed into the Galati apartment building.
The Danube River near Galati forms part of Romania’s border with Ukraine, and nearby Ukrainian ports have frequently been targeted by Russian drone strikes since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Original article
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