A Russian kamikaze drone, likely a Shahed-type model, entered Romanian airspace during the night of May 28 to 29, 2026, striking a high-rise residential building in the city of Galați, starting a fire and injuring two people.
The drone was reportedly taking part in a Russian attack on the territory of neighboring Ukraine, which lies not far from Galați across the Danube river.
According to a statement published by the Romanian Ministry of Defense, the Russian drone was detected and tracked by radar. Two Romanian Air Force F-16 were scrambled from the 86th Air Force Base in Fetești at 1.19am.
The two fighters were supported by IAR 330 SOCAT helicopter – the Romanian-built gunship version of the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma.
The ministry’s statement also confirmed that these aircraft had permission to engage the targets over Romanian airspace, although there is no indication that any action was taken from their side.
In a long post on X, Romanian president Nicușor Dan explained that the decision was taken not to engage the target because “the conditions did not exist to destroy it without the heightened risk of endangering civilian safety”. Dan also stated that Romania will order proportionate measures towards Russia. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already summoned the Russian ambassador in Bucharest.
NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, plus several European leaders, have posted statements condemning the Russian attack and expressing solidarity with Romania, which is a member state of both organizations.
