Russian Drone Hits Romanian Apartment Building

A Russian drone intended for Ukraine struck an apartment building in Galati, Romania, injuring two people during an overnight attack on May 29, 2026. This incident marked the first time a drone has hit a densely populated area in Romania since the start of the war.

The drone entered Romanian airspace and crashed onto the roof of a ten-storey apartment block, causing an explosion that triggered a fire. Emergency services reported that two people sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site, while around 70 residents evacuated the building as a precaution. According to Fox News, a woman and her child were hospitalized with minor injuries.

Romanian authorities condemned the strike as a 'grave and irresponsible escalation.' The Romanian defence ministry stated it had recovered drone fragments in Romania 28 times since Moscow began attacking Ukraine's ports across the Danube river. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed that Russia’s reckless behavior is a danger to all, stating that the alliance would continue to strengthen its defenses against all threats, including drones.

The incident has raised tensions on NATO's eastern flank. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia had 'crossed yet another line.' Romania informed NATO allies and requested measures to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities. The country also summoned Russia's ambassador for urgent talks following the incident, with Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu stating they would take necessary diplomatic measures in response.

According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed solidarity with Romania, stating that Ukraine stands firmly by its ally. Additionally, a senior NATO military official told CBS News that NATO flew an Airborne Early Warning E-3A aircraft to increase air-domain awareness after the Russian incursion into Romania's airspace.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched waves of drones overnight targeting Russian oil and fuel infrastructure. Russian officials reported strikes on refineries, fuel storage sites, and a seaport. According to Reuters, virtually all major oil refineries in central Russia have been forced to halt or scale back fuel output due to Ukraine’s attacks, with Russian fuel output down by more than a quarter.

This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote a letter to President Trump and members of Congress asking for further shipments of interceptor missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot missile batteries. The request comes as the Center for Strategic and International Studies reports it will take the U.S. at least three to eight years to replenish stockpiles of interceptors depleted during the U.S. war on Iran. On Thursday, Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said during a visit to Kyiv that he supported Ukraine’s request for more air defenses, and he rejected Russia’s warning that foreigners and diplomats should leave Kyiv.