Romania Expels Russian Consul After Drone Strikes Residential Building in Galaţi

A Russian‑operated drone collided with a residential building in Galaţi, Romania, near the Ukrainian border, causing a fire and lightly injuring two people. The incident prompted the Romanian president, Nicolae Ciucă, to order the expulsion of the Russian consul in Constanța and the closure of the consulate, while the foreign ministry summoned Russia's ambassador.

NATO’s Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg described the event as a “serious and irresponsible escalation,” affirming that the alliance stands ready to defend all allied territory. NATO Supreme Allied Commander‑Europe Admiral Alexander Greenwich discussed the episode with the Romanian chief of staff, and both sides agreed to maintain close contact on further defensive measures.

The European Union, represented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the breach of Romanian airspace and announced preparations for a new sanctions package targeting Russia. U.S. and other NATO allies echoed the condemnation, stressing the need to accelerate delivery of counter‑drone capabilities to Romania.