Nicolai Haugsted
A Russian drone has crashed down in another NATO nation, leaving more with injuries.
Fighting along the Ukraine border spilled across another frontier overnight as a drone crashed into a residential building in Romania, triggering a fire and forcing dozens of residents from their homes.
According to BBC, Romanian authorities said the aircraft was a Russian drone that struck an apartment complex in the city of Galați, located near the Ukrainian border.
Incident marks the latest case of drones linked to the war in Ukraine ending up on Romanian territory.
Explosion Sparks Fire
Romania’s Defence Ministry said the drone hit the roof of the building before exploding.
Emergency services reported that an explosive charge carried by the drone detonated on impact, igniting a fire at the residential complex.
Two people suffered minor injuries.
Around 70 residents were evacuated while firefighters and emergency crews worked to secure the area.
Local media also circulated footage allegedly showing the moment of impact. The video appears to capture a growing buzzing sound followed by a loud explosion and a flash illuminating the night sky. Reuters said the footage has not been independently verified.
Second Drone Found Hundreds of Kilometres Away
Authorities were simultaneously investigating another drone discovery elsewhere in Romania.
Local officials told Romanian broadcaster TVR that a drone was found near the town of Basesti in the country’s northwest, roughly 550 kilometres from Galați.
Unlike the aircraft involved in the apartment-building strike, that drone was not carrying explosives.
Officials said it had a wingspan of approximately three metres.
Investigators are now attempting to determine where the drone originated.
Attack Coincides With Strikes in Ukraine
Drone activity was also reported across southern Ukraine during the same night.
Authorities in the Odesa region said the port city of Izmail came under drone attack.
One drone reportedly became entangled in a power line, temporarily cutting electricity to five nearby villages.
Izmail sits approximately 60 kilometres east of Galați, placing the attacks close to Romania’s border.
Growing Concern Along Romania’s Border
Romania has repeatedly discovered Russian drones or drone debris on its territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Most incidents have occurred near the Danube River and the Black Sea region, where Russian attacks frequently target Ukrainian port infrastructure.
Friday’s incident stands out because the drone struck a residential building, causing an explosion and injuries inside a NATO member state.
