Several NATO countries strongly criticised Russia after a drone crashed into a residential area in Romania near the border with Ukraine, increasing fears that the war could spread beyond Ukrainian territory.
Romanian officials said the drone hit an apartment building in the city of Galati during a large overnight attack targeting Ukraine’s southern regions. A woman and a child were injured after the explosion damaged the upper floors of the building.
Romania, which is a member of NATO, quickly condemned the incident and called it a serious security threat. The country’s defence ministry said its radar systems tracked the drone before impact, while Romanian fighter jets were sent into the air during the attack.
NATO leaders reacted with strong statements after the incident. Alliance officials described the drone strike as reckless and dangerous warning that attacks near NATO borders increase the risk of a wider conflict in Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance is prepared to defend “every inch” of member territory.
The latest incident has increased worries across Europe about drones and missiles entering NATO airspace during the Russia-Ukraine war. Romania has already found drone debris on its territory several times since the conflict started.
After the crash, Romanian authorities also took diplomatic action against Moscow. The government announced it would shut down the Russian consulate in Constanta and expel Russian officials linked to the office.
Russia rejected the accusations and denied responsibility for the drone strike. Russian officials accused Western countries of increasing tensions by supplying weapons and military support to Ukraine. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that similar incidents could continue as long as European countries remain involved in supporting Kyiv.
Security experts say the growing number of drone incidents near NATO borders shows how modern warfare is becoming harder to contain. Low-flying drones can easily cross borders during large attacks, creating risks for civilians living close to the conflict zone.
The incident also started fresh discussions inside NATO about improving air defence in Eastern Europe. Romania has asked for more help to stop drones and stronger monitoring systems to better protect areas near its borders.
Many residents in Romanian border towns say they are becoming increasingly worried as attacks in nearby Ukraine continue almost every night. Emergency teams were seen working around the damaged apartment building while investigators searched for drone fragments.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has already caused major tensions between Moscow and Western nations, but incidents involving NATO territory raise fears of a direct confrontation between Russia and the military alliance.
Although NATO leaders stressed they do not want escalation, they also repeated that attacks affecting alliance territory will be taken seriously.
The situation remains tense as both Russia and Ukraine continue heavy drone and missile attacks across the region.
