A Russian drone involved in an attack on Ukraine crossed into Romania overnight and struck a residential building in Galati city, igniting a rooftop fire and injuring two people in what Italian and Romanian officials have both described as 'an extremely serious incident.' The strike on NATO and European Union member territory has triggered a sharp diplomatic response across Europe.

Italy's Condemnation and Call for Unity

Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli was among the first to respond, calling the incident a direct illustration of the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict. 'The raid carried out by a Russian drone against a civilian building in Romania, which resulted in the injury of two citizens on the territory of an EU and Nato member state, is an extremely serious incident,' Cirielli said.

'No war can justify the involvement of innocent civilians or the crossing of allied countries' borders,' he added, voicing solidarity with Romania. Cirielli stressed that 'it is essential to strongly reaffirm the principles of international law and the unity of European and Atlantic partners.'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also condemned the attack, joining a widening chorus of European leaders expressing alarm over what officials describe as Russia's escalating campaign of hybrid warfare across the continent.

Romania Summons Russian Ambassador

Romanian Foreign Minister Toiu Oana confirmed that Bucharest had summoned Russia's Ambassador to Romania, Vladimir Lipayev, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following confirmation of the drone's origin. 'We have confirmation from the Ministry of National Defence that the drone which crashed into a residential building in Galati was of Russian origin,' she stated.

Oana warned that Romania would 'officially communicate the consequences that this lack of responsibility on the part of the Russian Federation will have for the diplomatic relations between our countries,' and signalled that the next steps would include discussions at the European level regarding sanctions packages.

Romania's President Nicusor Dan convened the Supreme Council of National Defence on Friday in response to the incident.

Extent of the Damage

The drone caused a fire on the roof of a residential apartment building in Galati. Two people sustained minor injuries, several residents required medical attention, and the building was fully evacuated. Romanian authorities have not reported any fatalities.

Broader International Response

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas also condemned the strike, reflecting growing concern within the alliance over Russia's widening hybrid warfare operations. This is not the first time Russian drones targeting Ukraine have drifted into Romanian airspace — previous incidents have prompted repeated calls from Bucharest and Brussels for Russia to be held accountable under international law.

With Romania set to formally communicate diplomatic consequences and the EU weighing further sanctions, the Galati incident is likely to intensify pressure on European capitals to coordinate a unified response to cross-border drone incursions.