Galati, Romania. Romania recovered fragments of two drones after an overnight Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine, and summoned the Russian ambassador in protest. Authorities reported damage to property in Galati and said no casualties were recorded.
Drone fragments found in Galati and Tulcea
Romania’s defence ministry said parts of drones were found in the southeastern city of Galati, where an electricity pole and a household annex were damaged, and in neighbouring Tulcea county. The ministry said there were no casualties.
Romania’s emergency response agency said it temporarily evacuated people near the drone found in Galati until the fragments, which might contain an explosive charge, could be disposed of.
Condemnation and diplomatic protest
Romania’s foreign ministry said it had summoned the Russian ambassador in protest.
“The defence ministry firmly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that these represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area,” the ministry said.
“Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation’s lack of respect for the norms of international law and endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens, but also the collective security of NATO.”
Air policing response and broader context
Romania, a member of both NATO and the European Union, shares a 650-km land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones repeatedly breach its airspace as Moscow attacks Ukraine ports on the other side of the Danube river.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, part of a British air-policing mission in Romania, were scrambled to monitor the attack from the air, which was described as standard procedure. Residents of neighbouring Tulcea county were also warned to take cover.
Tensions have mounted along Europe’s eastern flank in recent months after suspected Russian drones breached the airspace of several NATO states.
Rules on shooting down drones
Romanian law allows it to shoot down drones during peacetime if lives or property are at risk, but it has not yet done so.
How should Romania respond if drone incursions continue to put lives or property at risk?