NATO and European Union officials have condemned the crash of a Russian drone into a residential block of flats in the eastern Romanian city of Galați, in which two people were injured.
“We condemn Russia’s recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones,” said Allison Hart, a spokeswoman for the military alliance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is in touch with Romanian authorities, she said on Friday.
The overnight drone strike sparked a fire on the 10th floor of an apartment block in Galați, the Romanian Interior Ministry said. Two people suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Romania requested an accelerated transfer of counter-drone technology to the country. Romania is a member of NATO and the EU.
“Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“As we continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our Eastern border, we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia,” von der Leyen said, adding that the EU has started to prepare its 21st package of sanctions on Russia.
“Russia’s escalation on EU territory is reckless and irresponsible,” said European Council President António Costa.
“I condemn in the strongest terms this violation of Romania’s national airspace and of international law. The EU is united in stepping up pressure on Russia through sanctions and strengthening defence capabilities, in particular along our Eastern border,” he said.
Romania would respond to the “serious violation of international law and of its airspace through diplomatic measures,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“The Russian Federation bears direct responsibility for this grave and irresponsible action.”
A specialist investigative team focusing on explosive incidents was dispatched to the site overnight.
Galați lies on the Danube River in eastern Romania, just a few kilometres from the borders with both Moldova and Ukraine.
The incident comes amid daily Russian drone attacks on Ukraine. On several occasions, drones have entered the airspace of NATO member states bordering Ukraine. Ukrainian drones and missiles have also occasionally crossed into neighbouring countries’ airspace.