Russian Drone Hits Apartment Block in Romania, Injuring Two
- May 29
- 2 min read
BUCHAREST, May 29 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — A Russian drone hit an apartment block in southeastern Romania during an overnight attack on neighbouring Ukraine, injuring two people in the first such strike to hit a densely populated area in Romania since the start of the war, Romanian authorities reported.
The drone struck the roof of a 10-storey block of flats in Galati and caused an explosion, authorities said.
Romania, a member of NATO and the European Union, has reported repeated Russian drone incursions since Moscow began targeting Ukrainian ports across the Danube River.
NATO condemned the incident, saying the alliance would continue strengthening its defences against drones and other threats.
“Initial information indicates that the entire load of the Geran 2 drone, of Russian origin, exploded upon impact,” Romania’s defence ministry said.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu called the incident a “serious violation of international law” and said Bucharest had requested faster delivery of anti-drone capabilities. The Russian ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had “crossed yet another line.” There was no immediate comment from Russia’s defence ministry.
Romania’s defence ministry said two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter were scrambled to monitor the attack, while residents in the border counties of Braila, Galati and Tulcea were told to take cover.
Romanian Brigadier General Gheorghe Maxim said the drone was in Romanian airspace for four minutes and flew at low altitude, making it difficult for radar to detect.
Emergency authorities said a fire broke out in a 10th-floor apartment after the drone struck the building. Around 70 people evacuated the area.
State news agency Agerpres reported that a woman and her child were taken to hospital with minor injuries, while two other people were treated on site for panic attacks.
In a separate incident, Romanian authorities were investigating a drone found without an explosive charge in Maramures county in northwestern Romania.
Local authorities in southern Ukraine reported that the Izmail port in the Odesa region, near the Romanian border, came under attack from several drones early Friday.
