A Russian Geran 2 kamikaze drone struck a 10 story residential apartment building on Brailei Street in Galati, Romania, at approximately 2:00 AM on May 29, 2026, causing a massive explosion and fire on the 10th floor in the most serious violation of Romanian territory since the war in Ukraine began.
The drone, confirmed by Romania’s Ministry of National Defense and NATO Supreme Allied Command Europe (SHAPE) spokesman Martin O’Donnell as being of Russian origin, was part of a larger wave of drone attacks launched by Russia against Ukraine overnight. It went off course and struck the residential building directly, with its entire explosive payload detonating on impact. A woman and a 14 year old child sustained burns and were hospitalized. Two others received treatment on site. Approximately 70 residents were evacuated, and gas supplies were cut to 178 homes in the surrounding area as a precaution. Two F-16 aircraft from Fetesti Air Base and an IAR 330 SOCAT helicopter were scrambled after the drones appeared on radar.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan, who traveled to Galati personally after the incident, declared it “the most serious incident to affect Romanian territory” since the start of the war and convened an emergency session of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT). He announced the immediate expulsion of the Russian consul from Constanta and the closure of Russia’s consulate there, declaring the consul persona non grata.
Romania’s Foreign Ministry stated: “This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation by the Russian Federation. Russia continues to be a state that disregards international law.” The ministry also requested that NATO accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to Romania.
Vladimir Putin responded by publicly questioning whether the drone was Russian, asking for access to the wreckage and pointing to recent incidents of Ukrainian drones entering the airspace of Finland, Poland and the Baltic states. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov offered no apology.
A former CIA analyst stated bluntly: “I am absolutely certain that Putin approved the idea that Russian drones could be used against Romania.”