EU says Russia crossed another line with drone incident in Romania

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the incident involving a Russian drone crashing into a residential building in Romania demonstrates that Russia has crossed yet another line.

"Russia's war of aggression has crossed yet another line. A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians. On EU territory," von der Leyen wrote on X.

Von der Leyen stressed that the EU would continue strengthening its security and deterrence capabilities, particularly along its eastern border, and would increase pressure on Russia.

In addition, President of the European Council António Costa also reacted to the incident, expressing full solidarity with and support for Romania.

"Russia's escalation on EU territory is reckless and irresponsible. I condemn in the strongest terms this violation of Romania's national airspace and of international law. The EU is united in stepping up pressure on Russia through sanctions and strengthening defence capabilities, in particular along our Eastern border," Costa said.

During Russia's attack on Ukraine on the night of 28-29 May, a drone crashed into a 10-storey residential building in the Romanian city of Galați. Two people were taken to hospital and 70 residents were evacuated. The drone was identified as a Russian Geran-2 type.

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu has said that the crash of a Russian drone into a residential building in Galați could justify invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization treaty for consultations with allies.

Romanian authorities later explained that the drone was not intercepted because of time constraints and operational limitations under which the military had to act during the incident.