NATO Country Anticipates ‘Proportionate Measures’ Against Russia After Drone Crashes Into Apartment Building

Romanian President Nicușor Dan said he convened a meeting of his national defense council after a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building near in Galati, near the border with Ukraine.

Two people were injured in the crash, which also set the building on fire. It was part of an attack against Ukraine’s power grid that involved 232 drones and a ballistic missile. NBC News detailed that several drones crossed into Romanian territory.

Nicușor Dan said the incident was “the most serious” one to take place in the country since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“We will order proportionate measures in relation to the Russian Federation,” he said. “The unprecedented nature of the event demands a firm, coordinated, and appropriate response — at the national, allied, and international levels.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reacted to the development with a social media publication, saying he assured the Romanian President of the alliance’s “absolute solidarity with Romania and expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident.”

“I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones,” he added.

Rutte went on to say that Russia’s “reckless behavior is a danger to us all.” “Russia’s war needs to end, as does Russia’s disregard for civilian safety. For our part, we will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defence at home and continue our support for Ukraine as they defend against Russia’s aggression.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on her end, said in a post of her own that “Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line.” She added that the EU is preparing a 21st package of sanctions against the country.

“We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people. As we continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our Eastern border, we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia,” she said.

Russia has also vowed to step up attacks against Kyiv and told diplomats from different countries to leave. The U.S. and EU have refused to do so.

The evacuation warning followed one of the most intense aerial assaults on Kyiv in recent months. Ukraine’s air force said Russia used 600 drones and 90 missiles in the attack, including a powerful hypersonic ballistic missile called the Oreshnik, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.