Romania summons Russian ambassador after Russian drone crashes into residential building, injuring two

The Russian ambassador to Romania was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest on May 29 after a drone of Russian origin crashed into a residential building in Galați, injuring two people and causing a fire.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu said on X: “We have confirmation from the Ministry of National Defence that the drone which crashed into a residential building in Galați was of Russian origin”.

“We will officially communicate the consequences that this lack of responsibility on the part of the Russian Federation will have for the diplomatic relations between our countries, as well as the next steps at the European level regarding sanctions packages,” she said.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan said on X that he had convened a Supreme Council of National Defenxe meeting on May 29 “to discuss the implications of the most serious incident to affect the national territory since the start of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine”.

“We will order proportionate measures in relation to the Russian Federation,” Dan said.

“The unprecedented nature of the event demands a firm, coordinated, and appropriate response—at the national, allied, and international levels,” he said.

“I declare, with the utmost firmness, that full responsibility for this incident lies with the Russian Federation.

“What happened today in Galați 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.”

Dan said that the Romanian Armed Forces acted in accordance with the procedures established for such situations, under firm orders to shoot down the drone as soon as conditions allowed for such an operation without the risk of casualties or damage on the ground.

The decision not to engage the target was taken because the conditions did not exist to destroy it without the heightened risk of endangering civilian safety, he said.

All Nato allies and European Union partners had been informed about the incident, Dan said.

Romania has formally requested that allies deploy additional anti-drone capabilities on national territory to strengthen its defence and the Alliance’s Eastern Flank, in accordance with SACEUR’s instructions.

Dan said that Romania will formally inform the United Nations Security Council “about this brutal and repeated violation of international law by the Russian Federation”.

“I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately present a series of measures to be taken regarding relations with the Russian Federation, proportionate to this extremely serious situation.

“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 onto its citizens.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “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,” Von der Leyen said.

“We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people. As we continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our Eastern border, we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia. We are preparing a 21st package of sanctions,” she said.

A spokesperson for Nato said that Secretary General Mark Rutte was in touch with Romanian authorities.

“We condemn Russia’s recklessness, and Nato will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones,” the spokesperson said.

(Photo: Romania’s Foreign Ministry)