A drone strike on a residential building in eastern Romania has triggered strong condemnation from NATO and the European Union after two people were injured and dozens of residents were forced to evacuate.

The incident occurred on Friday in the city of Galați, located near Romania’s border with Ukraine. Romanian authorities said the drone struck a block of flats, causing an explosion and a fire that spread through part of the building.

According to Romania’s emergency situations authority, the drone’s entire explosive payload detonated upon impact, igniting a fire on the 10th floor of the residential complex. Emergency crews responded quickly to contain the blaze and evacuate residents.

Two people suffered minor injuries, including abrasions, and received medical treatment before being transported to a local hospital. Authorities said approximately 70 residents were evacuated from the building while firefighters worked to secure the area.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the drone was likely struck by Ukrainian air defence systems while over Ukrainian territory near Kyiv, causing it to change direction before eventually entering Romanian airspace and crashing into the residential building.

The incident drew immediate international attention. NATO allies and European Union officials strongly condemned the event, emphasizing concerns over the continued risks posed by the war in Ukraine spilling beyond its borders.

Ukraine also reacted to the strike, arguing that the incident demonstrates how Russia’s military actions continue to create security threats for countries across Europe. Ukrainian officials said the event serves as another reminder that the conflict carries broader regional consequences.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly questioned whether the drone involved was Russian, adding uncertainty to Moscow’s response to the incident.

Throughout the conflict, drones launched during Russian military operations have occasionally crossed into Romanian territory. However, officials noted that this is the first known incident during the war in which civilians in Romania have been injured as a result of such an event.

Romania, a member of both NATO and the European Union, has repeatedly expressed concerns about violations of its airspace since the war began. The latest strike is likely to intensify discussions regarding regional security and the protection of NATO member states located near the conflict zone.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident while assessing damage to the building and surrounding area. The event has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by military drones operating near international borders and the potential risks to civilian populations outside the immediate conflict area.