Russian drone hits NATO-member Romania, injuring two

A Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galati near the Ukrainian border early on May 29, 2026, injuring a woman and a child. The incident marked the first time a densely populated area in a NATO country was hit during Russia's war in Ukraine, causing injuries. Romanian authorities confirmed the drone entered their airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine and exploded upon impact, damaging the top floor of a 10-story apartment block. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte condemned Russia's "reckless behavior" and pledged to "defend every inch of Allied territory." Romania's President Nicusor Dan expelled Russia's consul in Constanta and ordered the consulate closed, holding Moscow fully responsible for the incident. Russia's Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations as unsubstantiated, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been informed. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, warned European leaders that drones would continue to stray into their countries, preventing their populations from sleeping peacefully. The incident has heightened concerns about the war spilling over into NATO territory, with Romania requesting accelerated transfers of anti-drone capabilities from its allies.