{"id":10410,"date":"2026-05-29T10:00:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T10:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/?p=10410"},"modified":"2026-05-29T10:00:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T10:00:39","slug":"european-leaders-allies-react-after-russian-drone-crashes-into-apartment-building-in-southeastern-romania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/?p=10410","title":{"rendered":"European leaders, allies react after Russian drone crashes into apartment building in southeastern Romania"},"content":{"rendered":"

Numerous European leaders and NATO allies of Romania issued reactions after a Russian drone crashed into a residential apartment building<\/a> in the Romanian city of Gala\u021bi early Friday morning, May 29, triggering an explosion and a fire that injured two people.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Domestic reactions also came from top Romanian leaders, such as the president, prime minister, and the leaders of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the far-right opposition Alliance for the Union of Romanians Party (AUR).<\/p>\n

External reactions<\/h4>\n

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen<\/strong> said \u201cRussia\u2019s war of aggression crossed yet another line\u201d in connection with the drone incursion.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians. On EU territory. 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,\u201d the European official said on X<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Another reaction from the highest levels of the European Union bodies came from the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and vice-president of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas<\/strong>, who said<\/a> that the Russian drone crash \u201cwas a blatant and serious violation of Romania\u2019s sovereignty and European airspace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kallas expressed the EU\u2019s full solidarity with Romania in a call with Romanian foreign minister Oana Toiu and argued that \u201cMoscow cannot be allowed to breach European airspace with impunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

NATO secretary general Mark Rutte<\/strong> also issued a statement reacting to the drone crash, noting \u201cNATO\u2019s absolute solidarity with Romania.\u201d He expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident and \u201caffirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones. Russia\u2019s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don\u2019t stop at the border. Russia\u2019s war needs to end, as does Russia\u2019s disregard for civilian safety,\u201d Rute added.<\/p>\n

Polish foreign minister Rados\u0142aw Sikorski<\/strong> said, in turn, that the incident is proof that Russia remains a threat. \u201cRegardless of \u2060whether it was on purpose \u2060or the \u2060result \u2060of ineptitude, Russia is still dangerous, and \u200cwe must defend ourselves against \u200cit,\u201d \u200che told \u2060the Reuters, as reported by Agerpres<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu<\/strong>, also condemned \u201cthe Russian drone attack that hit Romanian civilians in their own homes in Gala\u021bi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is yet another proof that the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine affects the entire region and endangers human lives,\u201d she wrote in a Facebook post. \u201cAt these moments, we stand in solidarity with Romania, and Europe must remain united and firm in defending peace, security, and democratic values.”<\/p>\n

Latvian president Edgars Rink\u0113vi\u010ds<\/strong> reacted to the \u201cdrone strike\u201d in Romania as well, expressing his country\u2019s solidarity. \u201cLatvia condemns the Russian drone strike on an apartment building in Gala\u021bi, Romania, injuring two people. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Latvia stands in full solidarity with our ally Romania and is prepared to support appropriate measures to prevent such violations,\u201d he said on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna<\/strong> posted a message on X<\/a>, arguing that \u201clast night\u2019s drone strike on a residential building in Romania is a stark reminder that Russia\u2019s aggression extends beyond Ukraine and directly threatens NATO allies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The French minister-delegate for European affairs, Benjamin Haddad<\/strong>, also said on Friday that the incident shows that Russia represents a threat to European security. \u201cRussia has not only attacked Ukraine, but has also threatened the European security architecture. A Russian drone once again crashed in Romania last night, representing a threat through its interference,\u201d Haddad told French radio station RMC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to emphasize that we have French troops stationed in Romania as part of NATO reassurance operations, in particular to demonstrate our support for the sovereignty of our partners in Europe,\u201d the French minister added.<\/p>\n

Also in France, foreign minister Jean-No\u00ebl Barrot summoned the Russian ambassador to demand explanations, according to Reuters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Domestic reactions<\/h4>\n

Romanian president Nicu\u0219or Dan<\/strong> convened a meeting<\/a> of the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT) on Friday, May 29, following what he described as \u201cthe most serious incident affecting Romanian territory\u201d since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened today in Gala\u021bi is a direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, of the irresponsible and indiscriminate way in which Moscow operates these weapons systems in the immediate vicinity of NATO borders, and of its systematic disregard for international law,” the president said. \u201cThere is no ambiguity whatsoever regarding the perpetrator of this aggression or its cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nicu\u0219or Dan said Romanian armed forces had followed established procedures and had standing orders to shoot down the drone as soon as conditions allowed, without risking civilian casualties or damage on the ground.<\/p>\n

Interim prime minister Ilie Bolojan<\/strong> also condemned Russia in connection with the incident in Gala\u021bi<\/a>. He demanded that Moscow immediately put an end to its aggressive actions and noted that the Romanian defense response was limited by the level of equipment, which is yet another proof of the importance of the SAFE program.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night, a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in the municipality of Gala\u021bi, causing a fire and slightly injuring two people. I have been in contact with the Minister of Defense and all measures were immediately taken to protect the population, and diplomatically, Romania\u2019s allies and partners were informed,\u201d Ilie Bolojan specified in a Facebook post.<\/p>\n

Bolojan used the incident to highlight the need to upgrade Romania\u2019s defense capabilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is yet another proof of the importance of the SAFE program, through which we will ensure complete anti-drone equipment for the Romanian army. The contract will be signed in the coming hours. In a few months, the delivery of anti-drone capabilities will begin. That is why I put so much effort into completing this program, despite the irresponsible obstacles of all kinds put in place by those who ignore, do not understand, or are not disturbed by the danger represented by Russia,\u201d concluded interim prime minister Ilie Bolojan.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a post published on Facebook<\/a>, Social Democrat (PSD) leader Sorin Grindeanu<\/strong> stated that the Gala\u021bi incident highlights the existing vulnerabilities in the country\u2019s capacity to respond to such threats.<\/p>\n

\u201cRomania urgently needs an efficient anti-drone defense system. This morning\u2019s dramatic event in Gala\u021bi demonstrates unequivocally our country\u2019s inability to defend itself against such pinpoint attacks,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

Grindeanu also used the incident to launch an attack against defense minister Radu Miru\u021b\u0103<\/strong>, whom he asked to focus on equipping the Romanian Army with modern and efficient equipment. The PSD president claimed that the current situation reflects the vulnerabilities generated by the activity of the current dismissed ministers, warning about the risks these could create for the country\u2019s security.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In reply, the defense minister, backed by the reformist center-right Save Romania Union Party (USR), said that he had a phone conversation with NATO head Mark Rutte following the incident. During the call, Miruta told Rutte that Romania requested allied assistance in the Dobrogea area until anti-drone capabilities are delivered.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The minister also said that the drone could not be shot down safely.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a Geran 2 drone. Yes, it was detected and tracked on the radar newly installed in the Gala\u021bi area, after the incident from two weeks ago. Yes, the fighter jets had authorization to fire. Yes, in the 4 minutes it was in Romanian airspace, it could not be shot down without the projectile causing greater damage in the municipality of Gala\u021bi or without the projectile leaving Romania and being considered an interference in the war in Ukraine, and Romania being considered a party to the conflict,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Miruta concluded by noting Romania\u2019s SAFE-financed defense purchases include 8 anti-drone defense systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, leader of the extremist party AUR, George Simion<\/strong>, condemned the drone attack in Gala\u021bi<\/a>, but did not indicate the aggressor, nor did he mention the war in Ukraine. Instead, the leader of the extremist party accused the authorities of incompetence and imposture.<\/p>\n

AUR vehemently opposed Romania\u2019s SAFE financing in the past weeks. The party repeatedly argued that Romania should stop sending aid to Ukraine. Moreover, in May 2025, AUR representatives in the Romanian Parliament voted against a legislative change that allowed the Romanian Army to shoot down drones that wandered into Romanian airspace, according to Digi24<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Romania\u2019s Ministry of Defense stated that Russian drones penetrated Romanian airspace 28 times, including the incident on Friday. Drone fragments have been identified on Romanian territory 47 times since the beginning of the war. Similarly, more than 90 attacks have been recorded on Ukrainian territory in the proximity of the Romanian border.<\/p>\n

radu@romania-insider.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

(Photo source: Inquam Photos \/George\u00a0C\u0103lin<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Numerous European leaders and NATO allies of Romania issued reactions after a Russian drone crashed into a residential apartment building in the Romanian city of Gala\u021bi early Friday morning, May 29, triggering an explosion and a fire that injured two people.\u00a0 Domestic reactions also came from top Romanian leaders, such as the president, prime minister, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10410\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ofero.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}