Romania has formally accused Russia of a drone attack on a residential building in Galați during an emergency session of the UN Security Council. The Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana-Silvia Cîtu, stated that the drone, identified as a Russian-made Geran-2, crashed into the building on the night of May 29.
Cîtu described the incident as unprecedented for Romania, marking the first time in its 70 years of UN membership that Bucharest has brought a matter directly affecting its own territory before the Security Council.
“The seriousness of this moment cannot be overstated,” Cîtu asserted.
The drone was reportedly part of a broader Russian assault on Ukrainian infrastructure along the Danube River and spent approximately four minutes in Romanian airspace before impacting the ten-story residential structure near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova.
As a result of the crash, a mother and child sustained injuries and required medical assistance. The building suffered significant damage, prompting a temporary evacuation of its residents.
Cîtu emphasized that the incident occurred in a densely populated area, which could have led to far more severe consequences.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Romanian airspace has been violated multiple times by Russian drones, with over 30 such incidents reported this year alone, and their frequency appears to be increasing.
This incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first time Romanian citizens have been injured due to a Russian attack since the war began.
She dismissed any doubts regarding the drone’s origin, stating that Romanian investigators conducted a technical examination of the wreckage, confirming its Russian provenance.
Cîtu declared that violations of airspace and attacks on civilian infrastructure represent a blatant breach of the UN Charter and international law, posing a threat to peace and security across Europe.
Expressing solidarity with Ukraine, she called for intensified international pressure on Russia.
“We must not accept the current escalation as the new normal,” she stated.
Romania reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Truth is not always obvious. It must also be defended,” Cîtu remarked, emphasizing that Romania’s appeal to the Security Council was not only for its own security but also to uphold international law and establish accountability for aggression.
Details on the Drone Incident in Galați
On the night of May 29, during a Russian airstrike on Ukraine, a drone crashed into a ten-story building in Galați, igniting a fire. Two individuals have been reported injured.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense confirmed the drone’s Russian origin, while the Foreign Ministry labeled the incident a “serious and irresponsible escalation” by Russia. President Nicușor Dan suggested that the drone may have been shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
In response, the Romanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador for discussions, and the Russian consul in Constanța was declared persona non grata.
NATO also issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions, with Secretary General Mark Rutte maintaining communication with Romanian authorities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that Russia’s war against Ukraine has “crossed another line,” expressing full solidarity with Romania and its citizens.
Following the drone incident, Foreign Minister Cîtu indicated that Romania is considering initiating consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the alliance’s treaty. The Russian consul in Constanța has been declared persona non grata, and President Dan has not ruled out the expulsion of the Russian ambassador should similar incidents occur in the future.
Romania has condemned a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Galați, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The incident has prompted calls for increased international pressure on Russia and discussions within NATO regarding security measures.