Russian Drone Hits Romanian Apartment Building, Officials Say
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A Russian attack drone crashed into an apartment building in Galati, eastern Romania, causing injuries and a fire, marking a serious breach of Romanian airspace amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Romania, a NATO member, condemned the incident as a reckless escalation by Russia and requested accelerated delivery of anti-drone defenses from NATO.
- NATO confirmed close coordination with Romanian authorities and reiterated its commitment to collective defense under Article 5, which obliges member states to assist any ally under attack.
- Romanian President Nicusor Dan convened the Supreme Council of National Defense and pledged a measured response, emphasizing that Romania will not tolerate the spillover of Russia’s war against Ukraine on its territory.
- The incident highlights growing concerns about the war expanding beyond Ukraine’s borders, with European leaders like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warning that Russia’s aggression is crossing new lines.