GALATI — A Russian drone that was part of an overnight attack on Ukraine crashed into an apartment building in Galati, Romania, injuring two people. The drone was tracked by radar in Romanian airspace before it struck the roof of the building, igniting a fire.

Romania’s Defense Ministry said two people suffered minor injuries and several residents were evacuated following the incident. Police and emergency agencies responded to the scene, and alert messages were sent to residents in the affected areas. The Romanian military scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter, which had been authorized to engage aerial threats.

Galati is located on the Danube River in eastern Romania, near the borders with Moldova and Ukraine. Romania’s Foreign Ministry described the drone’s incursion as a serious violation of international law and called on NATO to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to the country.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident, saying, "A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians. On EU territory." She added, "Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line."

The European Union is preparing its 21st package of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The incident in Galati marked the first known case of a Russian drone used in attacks on Ukraine crashing into Romanian territory and causing injuries. Romania has repeatedly reported airspace violations since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian officials have stated that Russia has increasingly relied on Iranian-made drones in its attacks across the country.