Romania resorts to unprecedented diplomatic moves after Russian drone strike
Photo: Romanian President Nicușor Dan (Getty Images)
Romania is shutting down the Russian consulate in Constanța and declaring the consul persona non grata following the crash and explosion of a Russian drone in the city of Galați, which injured civilians, stated Romanian President Nicușor Dan, according to Romania Journal.
Details of Romania’s diplomatic response
According to the outlet, an emergency meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) lasted around two and a half hours. The session was convened after a serious violation of Romanian airspace by a Russian Geran-2 drone.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defense stated that the drone was part of a larger group, but only one reached Romanian territory, where it crashed into a residential apartment building. The Romanian President stressed that Bucharest holds Russia fully responsible for the incident.
"We had a serious incident last night in which two Romanian citizens were injured, and full responsibility lies with Russia," Nicușor Dan said.
He added that the Russian consul in Constanța has been declared persona non grata, while the entire consular mission will be closed.
The move is considered one of Romania’s toughest diplomatic measures in recent years.
Criticism of domestic politicians and stronger defense measures
During his speech, the Romanian President also sharply criticized several domestic politicians who attempted to downplay Moscow’s responsibility in the information space.
"I want to point out the irresponsibility of certain Romanian leaders who try to excuse Russia. Citizens can clearly see who is pro-Western and who is merely pretending," the President emphasized.
Amid the deteriorating security situation on NATO’s eastern flank, Romanian authorities have already begun consultations with allies. Additional defense measures are now being introduced along the border to strengthen airspace monitoring and counter-drone capabilities.
NATO reaction and details of the Russian attack on Romania
As previously reported, during the night of May 29, a Russian drone struck a residential high-rise building in the Romanian city of Galați. The incident occurred during a massive Russian attack on Ukraine’s Odesa region. The explosion caused a fire inside the building, and at least two civilians were injured.
Romania’s Ministry of National Defense later confirmed that the residential building had been hit by a Russian Geran-2 drone. Intelligence officers and Defense Ministry experts continue to work at the scene.
NATO strongly condemned Moscow’s actions. Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said NATO condemns Russia’s recklessness, while the organization’s Secretary General remains in constant contact with Romanian authorities to coordinate further steps and strengthen defense measures.
