Russia crosses new line striking apartment building in Romania: How Europe and Ukraine react
Photo: The West has reacted to the drone strike on Galați, Romania (x.com/sentdefender)
Overnight, a Russian drone struck a residential building in Galați, Romania. NATO, the EU, and their allies are already demanding a response from Moscow.
RBC-Ukraine compiles reactions from Romania, NATO, and the EU regarding this incident.
Key points
- Overnight, a Russian Geran-2 drone crashed onto the roof of a 10-story building in Galați, Romania, and two people were injured
- Romania convened an emergency meeting of the Defense Council
- Romania’s President called it the most serious incident since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
- NATO condemned the attack and pledged to defend every inch of the alliance’s territory
- Von der Leyen announced the 21st package of sanctions against Russia
- Foreign Minister of Ukraine explained why strengthening Ukraine’s air defense protects not only Ukrainians
Romania: Unacceptable
Romanian President Nicușor Dan convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Defense Council and spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
"I strongly condemn this unacceptable violation of Romania’s sovereignty. Full responsibility lies with the Russian Federation, whose behavior demonstrates a complete disregard for international law and the security of NATO citizens. Romania will not accept Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, threatening the security of Romanian citizens," Dan states.
Romania’s acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan commented briefly: "The situation is unacceptable. Romania must strengthen its defense."
Kyiv: Strengthening air defense protects neighbors too
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha writes that the incident confirmed the reality of the threat to the entire region.
"The recent incursion of a Russian drone into the Romanian airspace and its explosion in the residential area of Galaț proved once again that Russian aggression poses a real threat to the Black Sea region and the entire Europe," Sybiha states.
Tougher sanctions and pressure on Russia are needed, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine says.
"Bolstering Ukraine’s air defense is also a strategic task — to protect not only our country, but also reduce risks for our neighbours," he adds.
EU and NATO reactions
The incident sparked a wave of statements from allies.
- NATO: "We condemn Russia’s recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones."
- US Ambassador to NATO Whitaker: "We stand with our NATO Ally Romania and condemn this reckless incursion on its territory. Our thoughts are with the injured in Galati. We will defend every inch of NATO territory."
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia "has crossed yet another line" and announced the preparation of a 21st package of sanctions.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense had previously confirmed the type of drone that struck the residential building. It turned out to be a Geran-2, not a Shahed, as initially reported. The Romanian side released technical details after completing an initial examination of the debris.
This is not the first such incident on Romanian territory. On May 16, an unexploded unguided rocket was found in the village of Pardina near the border with Ukraine. At that time, bomb disposal experts were called in to handle the emergency.
