Drone Strike Brings War Danger to Romanian City
In parts of Europe, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine may seem distant, but in Romania, the conflict is immediate and increasingly perilous.
In the city of Galati, an apartment block bears a hole in its roof, a stark reminder of the war next door.
Residents have only recently begun returning to assess their homes after an attack drone struck the building early on Friday while many were asleep.
On Saturday, an inspection 11 floors up to the roof revealed a jagged hole, several metres wide, now covered with plastic sheeting.
The apartment beneath suffered significant damage, and a woman and her teenage son remain hospitalized with bruises and minor burns.
The impact could have been far more devastating; the drone hit the lift shaft on the roof, which absorbed much of the explosion.
"It was really very terrifying," said Costel Patrichi, a resident responsible for the building. "But if the drone had hit the side, it could have destroyed a whole floor or more."
Costel recounted receiving a phone alert just before 02:00, warning of an approaching drone from the nearby Ukrainian border.
"They told us we are protected by Nato, not to worry. But look where we are now!" Costel expressed frustration that Romania's air force was unable to intercept the drone.
Previously, when a Ukrainian drone targeting northern Russia was downed in Estonia, it was a Romanian fighter jet that shot it down.
However, in this instance, pilots had only moments to react before the drone reached a populated area, making interception too risky.
"Now I'm afraid. If I go back to my flat tonight, I will sleep with fear. Because this could happen again," Costel admitted.
Growing Fear as Conflict Edges Closer
This fear mirrors what Ukrainians endure nightly amid Russia's increasing drone attacks, which often strike residential areas, destroying homes and causing casualties.
Now, Romania, a NATO and EU member, has experienced its most serious such incident since Russia's invasion began in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denies evidence that the drone was Russian, but Romania has identified it as a Geran-2, also known as a Shahed, confirming its Russian origin.
"It's sure, because we had another one four or five weeks ago that didn't explode. We compared and they are completely identical," Romania's President Nicosur Dan told the BBC World Service.
The drones are typically used to target Ukrainian ports across the Danube River, crucial for grain exports.
On Friday, Romania tracked a swarm of 43 drones moving from east to west.
"One hit by the Ukrainian army changed direction and passed to Romanian territory. That is sure," President Dan stated.
International and Diplomatic Responses
NATO allies have condemned Russia's actions as "reckless," attributing the incident to Moscow's war of aggression.
In Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment when asked by reporters.
There is evident caution in the official responses, with no accusations of a deliberate attack on Romania by Moscow.
Romanian government sources revealed that invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which calls for an emergency meeting, was considered but ultimately rejected to avoid public panic.
The next potential step, Article 5, the mutual defense clause, treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
Instead, Romania has closed a Russian consulate in Constanta as a "warning," according to President Dan, who indicated that expelling the Russian ambassador would be the next diplomatic measure.
For now, the ambassador remains in place.
Calls for Increased Military Support and Preparedness
Romania has urged NATO to accelerate the transfer of military equipment to its eastern border.
The government is procuring drones and plans to develop additional unmanned aerial vehicles in cooperation with Ukrainian companies.
The European Union is preparing new sanctions against Moscow.
However, the risk of escalation and war expansion remains high, leaving residents of Galati feeling vulnerable.
"This was insane, it happened right in the middle of town," said Adrian after inspecting his family's flat in the affected building.
He attributed the incident to Russia and its president.
"But I don't think the sanctions are enough," Adrian added. "Because they could take everything from Russia, and they would still attack."
Additional reporting by Mircea Barbu
