Romanian President Blames Russia for Drone Strike on Galati

A Russian drone that struck an apartment building in the Romanian border town of Galati on Friday changed course after being hit by Ukrainian air defense forces, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said. The BBC reported his remarks.

Speaking to reporters, Dan explained that as the drones flew over Ukrainian territory, some had been shot down. One had probably been hit over the city of Reni, he said, causing it to change trajectory and head towards Galati.

Asked whether the change of course was accidental or deliberate, Dan described it as a "kinetic hit" and said that responsibility clearly lay with Russia.

Two people were injured in the strike: a 53-year-old woman and her 14-year-old son. Dan said both sustained burns but were expected to recover within a week. He added that the drone had been carrying at least 30 kg of explosives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky contacted Dan by telephone on Friday. The two leaders agreed that Ukraine would support Romania, with Ukrainian teams, soldiers and experts to be deployed to help strengthen the protection of Romanian airspace. Zelensky said the two countries' militaries had been in contact on Friday night and that further coordination had been discussed. He added that Romania and Ukraine would remain in close communication and continue working together to protect lives from Russian threats.

Dan said the incident underlined the need for greater investment in drone defense, arguing that NATO member states could not afford to remain unprepared. He added that Europe as a whole faces a shortage of modern anti-drone air defense systems and that the war in Ukraine is forcing NATO and European Union (EU) member states to accelerate their adaptation to new threats. Romania, he said, has already raised the issue of strengthening air and drone defense at NATO level.

(tasr)