Russian drone strikes Romanian apartment block as NATO-Moscow tensions escalate

Bucharest — Romania and its NATO allies have reacted strongly after a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people. The Romanian Foreign Ministry on Friday described the drone incident, which was apparently headed for Ukraine, as a serious violation of international law. This is the latest attack along the alliance’s eastern flank, raising concerns that the risk of open confrontation between Russia and NATO countries is increasing. According to Al Jazeera, Romania said the drone, which fell overnight, was tracked by radar in its airspace before hitting the roof of a residential building in Galati. Two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter were deployed, while authorities issued emergency alerts to residents. Two people sustained minor injuries, and several residents were evacuated after a fire broke out due to the drone impact. The incident is the latest in a series of such events, as the Ukraine war has spilled over into NATO countries, heightening fears of potential escalation. Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland have repeatedly reported airspace violations in recent months. Drone incursions led to the collapse of Latvia’s government earlier this month.