Romania drone strike prompts Putin rebuttal and diplomatic fallout

A Russian drone struck a residential building in Galati, Romania, injuring two people and causing a fire. It was the first such hit on a civilian structure outside Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, and Romanian officials said the drone had been tracked by radar before crashing on the roof.

NATO and the European Union condemned the incident, calling Russia responsible. Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced that Russia’s consul‑general in Constanța would be declared persona non grata and the consular office would be closed.

Speaking at a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, President Vladimir Putin denied any Russian aggression toward Europe, calling the claims “a gross lie” and insisting that “Russia has never had any aggressive intentions towards European countries.” He said a thorough investigation was needed before determining the drone’s origin.