29.05.2026 12:01
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that a Russian-made unmanned aerial vehicle hit an apartment building in Romania, emphasizing that allied territory will be defended and solidarity with Ukraine will continue. European Commission President von der Leyen announced that the 21st sanctions package against Russia is being prepared.
As the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war spill over into NATO territory, two people were injured in the city of Galati, Romania, when a drone reportedly belonging to Russia struck an apartment building. Following the incident, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance's readiness to defend every inch of allied territory and expressed solidarity with Romania.
Rutte made a statement on his account on the US-based X company's social media platform regarding the drone hitting a residence in Romania's Galati region.
"NATO READY TO DEFEND EVERY INCH OF TERRITORY"
Stating that he had a phone conversation with Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Rutte said, "I reaffirmed NATO's readiness to defend every inch of allied territory. We will continue to enhance our deterrence and defense posture against all threats, including those posed by drones."
Rutte continued:
"Russia's reckless behavior is a danger to all of us. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Last night showed once again that the consequences of their illegal attacks do not stop at the border. Russia's war must end, and so must its disregard for civilian safety."
The NATO Secretary General underscored that the Alliance will continue to support Ukraine.
EU PREPARES 21ST SANCTIONS PACKAGE AGAINST RUSSIA
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement on the same platform, said, "Russia's aggression has crossed another line. A Russian drone struck a densely populated area in Romania, on EU soil, injuring civilians."
Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU continues to strengthen security and deterrence, especially along its eastern border, and announced they are preparing the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
Romania's Defense Ministry had announced that during Russia's overnight attacks on Ukraine, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and fell on an apartment building, injuring two people.