NATO and Romanian officials responded strongly after a Russian drone struck a residential building in the eastern Romanian city of Galati near the Ukrainian border, injuring two people and setting the roof on fire. The incident, which occurred on May 29, 2026, marks the first time civilians have been injured in a NATO country as a result of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The drone, identified as a Geran-2—a Russian version of Iran’s Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle—exploded on impact, damaging a top-floor apartment. The injured included a 53-year-old woman suffering severe burns and a 14-year-old boy; two others received treatment for shock. Approximately 70 residents were evacuated from the ten-story block following the explosion and fire.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan described the event as the most serious incident to affect Romanian territory since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Romanian military officials reported that two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the drone but were unable to destroy it without endangering civilians. Brigadier-General Gheorghe Maxim, deputy commander of Romania’s armed forces, characterized the strike as an unintended consequence of the ongoing conflict near Romania’s border rather than a deliberate attack.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to defend all member states, stating that NATO “stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory” and will continue to enhance readiness against threats, including drones. The US ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, condemned the incursion as “reckless,” while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it a serious violation of NATO airspace and a clear demonstration of Russia’s disregard for civilian life and sovereignty.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the attack as “extremely dangerous and reckless,” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had crossed “yet another line,” announcing that the EU is preparing additional sanctions on Moscow. Romania announced it will expel the Russian consul in Constanta and close the consulate in response.
The Russian government did not directly comment on the drone incident itself. However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed Western concerns as attempts to divert attention from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned that drone strikes on NATO countries could continue, framing the situation as part of a broader conflict between Russia and Europe. Russian officials also suggested the explosion may have been staged by Ukraine to provoke NATO involvement, while President Vladimir Putin questioned whether the drone was Russian or Ukrainian.
The incident occurred amid ongoing attacks in the region, with recent Russian strikes damaging civilian infrastructure in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region and drone attacks reported inside Russian territory. NATO allies have agreed to deploy additional air defense assets to Romania in response to the escalation of drone activity crossing into allied airspace.
The Galati drone strike highlights the expanding risks posed by the conflict, with increased cross-border drone incidents reported in neighboring Baltic states. While there has been no immediate move to invoke NATO’s Article Five mutual defense clause, the event has intensified calls among Western leaders for a coordinated and firm response to Russia’s actions near allied territories.