A Russian drone crashed in a populated area of the Romanian city of Galati, leading to the evacuation of over 200 people due to fears of an explosive on board. This is the first case in which drone debris has caused direct material damage to buildings in Romania since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
The drone is part of a massive Russian attack on Ukrainian civilian and port infrastructure near the Danube - the city of Reni.
At 02:31 local time, residents of Galati reported a falling object to the 112 telephone.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets of the British Royal Air Force (RAF), operating under NATO command, were scrambled. The pilots have received official permission to shoot down the drones if necessary.
A farm building (shed), an electric pole were damaged and the gas supply to the area was cut off.
Around 220 people were evacuated in Galati after it was determined that the drone could be carrying an explosive charge.
No civilians were reported injured.
Fragments of a second drone were found later in the day in the neighboring Tulcea county.
Romanian Defense Ministry: Condemns Russia's actions as “irresponsible” and described them as a violation of international law and a challenge to NATO security.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Bucharest to formally protest.
The Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Appeal in Constanta has launched an investigation into the case.
Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighters stationed in Romania did not shoot down the drone that crashed over Romanian territory on Saturday night, The Guardian reported, citing sources in the British Ministry of Defense.
According to the newspaper, the fighters did not enter Ukrainian airspace or open fire.