NATO condemns Russia after drone hits Romanian residential block; Ukraine uses AI drones

A Russian drone, reportedly part of an assault on Ukraine, crashed into a residential building in Galati, Romania, on May 29, 2026. The impact sparked a fire and resulted in two injuries, prompting the evacuation of 70 residents from the affected apartment block. Romanian officials stated this marked the first time a residential building in the NATO member country had been directly hit by a Russian drone.

The incident drew strong condemnation from NATO and the European Union. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed the alliance's "full solidarity" with Romania and pledged to defend "every inch of Allied territory," describing Russia's actions as "reckless." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also criticized the strike, stating that Russia had "crossed yet another line" and vowed to strengthen EU security along its eastern border while increasing pressure on Moscow. Romanian President Nicușor Dan called the event the "most serious incident" since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began and noted the drone might have been redirected after being struck by Ukrainian air defense.