Romania summons Russian ambassador after drone strike injures two
A Russian drone, part of an overnight assault on Ukraine, struck a residential building in Galaţi, prompting international condemnation and a diplomatic crisis.
Nato and the Romanian government in Bucharest have condemned a Russian drone strike on an apartment building in Galaţi as a reckless escalation and a serious violation of international law. The incident, which occurred on the night of 28 to 29 May 2026, injured two people and prompted Romania to summon the Russian ambassador.
The drone, which was part of an overnight aerial assault on Ukraine, strayed into Romanian airspace and its explosive payload detonated on the 10th floor of a residential building. Approximately 70 residents were evacuated from the structure, and two individuals received medical treatment for abrasions. The Romanian Defence Ministry confirmed the details of the explosion and the subsequent injuries.
In response to the breach, Bucharest has accelerated defence procurement. The European Union also issued a condemnation of the strike, aligning with Nato’s stance that the event represents a significant deterioration in regional security. The incident has raised concerns that the conflict in Ukraine is spilling over into Nato member states.
This event follows a pattern of airspace incursions reported by Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland in recent months. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that escalating attacks risk spiralling out of control, noting a significant rise in civilian casualties in the first four months of 2026.
While the specific origin point of the drone within the Ukrainian conflict zone was not detailed, the deviation from Ukrainian airspace has intensified diplomatic tensions. Russian intelligence has previously warned Baltic nations about potential threats, adding to the complexity of the security landscape in Eastern Europe.
