A Russian Geran-2 drone crashed into the roof of a 10th-floor apartment building in Galati, Romania, overnight May 28, igniting a fire that injured two people, Romanian authorities said [1, 2, 3, 4]. The drone entered Romanian airspace and was tracked by radar before crashing, according to officials [1, 2, 3].
The drone carried an explosive payload that detonated on impact, starting a fire that was later extinguished [1, 5, 2]. About 70 residents were evacuated from the building during the blaze [1, 5, 2]. Two people—a 14-year-old boy and his 53-year-old mother—were hospitalized with minor burns and bruises [6, 4, 7].
Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to intercept the drone, but it crashed before they could act [1, 2, 3]. The drone fragments recovered at the scene were identified as a Russian Geran-2 (Shahed) model based on technical analysis [6, 7]. Romanian President Nicușor Dan said, "The drone that crashed at night of May 28 in Galati is a Geran-2, of Russian origin... This is the unequivocal conclusion of the technical report finalised by experts of the Romanian state" [7].
The incident marks the first time a drone has hit a residential building in Romania and caused injuries [1, 6, 4]. The attack occurred amid renewed Russian strikes near the Ukraine-Romania border, including drone attacks on Ukrainian ports on the Danube River [1, 5, 3]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's claim, stating, "Facts are the best cure to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s lies... Ukraine is ready to work closely together to counter common threats and strengthen the protection of life – not only for our country, but also for the friendly Romania and the rest of Europe" [7].
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 29 it was too early to confirm the drone's origin and suggested it might have been Ukrainian [8]. Russia’s embassy in Romania accused Ukraine of staging a provocation, denying Russian responsibility [7].
Romania described the strike as a serious and irresponsible escalation by Russia and requested NATO accelerate transfers of anti-drone capabilities [1, 3]. President Dan said, "Romania is a NATO member state and will not accept, under any circumstances, that the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine be transferred to its citizens" [9]. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte added, "NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory... Russia's reckless behaviour is a danger to us all" [9].
Following the attack, Romania decided to close Russia's consulate in Constanta [4]. Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, drone fragments have been found on Romanian soil 47 times, including 12 times this year [1, 4].
The next step includes continued NATO support and increased defense measures as Romania notified the alliance on May 29 and demanded faster delivery of anti-drone technology [1, 3].
