Russian drone hits Romanian Galati, injuring two and sparking NATO alert

In the early hours of the night, a drone struck a ten‑storey residential building in the city of Galati, Romania, about 20 km from the Ukrainian border. The impact caused a fire that injured a woman and a 14‑year‑old boy; both were hospitalized but survived.

Romanian authorities activated NATO’s alert mechanisms and President Nicușor Dan visited the site, where he faced protests demanding an explanation for the failure to intercept the unmanned aircraft. The government summoned the Russian ambassador, expelled diplomatic staff and ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Constanța as a direct response to the alleged airspace violation.

Russia denied involvement, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejecting the accusations. Analyses of debris identified the drone as a Geran‑2, a Russian‑manufactured model derived from the Iranian Shahed‑136. Romanian officials said the incident underscores the need for new anti‑drone systems. The episode has raised concerns within NATO about potential escalation under Article 5, though no broader conflict has yet materialised.