European countries have reacted en masse to the Russian drone strike on a high-rise building in Romania, a NATO and EU member state, during a Russian attack on Ukraine, UNN reports.
EU
"Full solidarity and support for Romania following the crash of a Russian drone into a residential building in Galați, which resulted in civilian casualties. Russia's escalation on EU territory is reckless and irresponsible. I condemn in the strongest terms this violation of Romanian national airspace and international law. The EU is united in increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions and strengthening defense capabilities, particularly along our eastern border," European Council President António Costa stated on X.
"The crash of a Russian drone into residential buildings in Galați was a flagrant and serious violation of Romanian sovereignty and European airspace. Russia has long ceased to respect borders. Moscow must not be allowed to violate European airspace with impunity," noted EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. - "EU foreign ministers yesterday pledged to increase pressure on Russia, boost support for Ukraine, and invest in Europe's own defense capabilities."
France
France will demand explanations from the Russian ambassador regarding what happened after a drone crashed into an apartment building in Romania, as reported by Reuters, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Friday, calling the incident irresponsible.
Earlier this week, Barrot had already summoned the Russian ambassador following airstrikes on Ukraine's civilian population last weekend.
"We have witnessed an irresponsible act involving a drone, and this is not the first time. Russian drones and other aircraft have repeatedly intruded into the airspace of the European Union and NATO," Barrot said on France Inter radio.
France is a leading NATO nation in Romania, where about 1,500 troops are stationed as part of the alliance's defense strategy.
Barrot stated that talks with Romania and NATO will take place in the coming days to assess the incident.
Germany
"The reckless intrusion of Russian drones into Romania once again demonstrates Russia's readiness for escalation. Germany stands by our NATO allies. This incident once again underscores the need for a strong NATO position on the eastern flank. We are ready to defend every inch of allied territory," stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on X.
The German Ministry of Defense, as indicated by dpa, stated that this means "no change in the situation." NATO is a defensive alliance ready to protect alliance territory, a spokesperson in Berlin said.
"Russia's reckless behavior continues to threaten our collective security," wrote German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on X. - "Our response is unity. We stand with Romania. Our thoughts are with those affected by today's drone crash. We will continue to strengthen Ukraine and European defense within NATO."
United Kingdom
"Last night, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and crashed into a residential building, injuring civilians. Russia has shown time and again that it has no respect for civilian life, international law, or the sovereignty of its neighbors. We stand with Ukraine, Romania, and all NATO allies," wrote UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X.
"Russia's violation of NATO airspace by hitting a residential building in Romania is extremely dangerous and reckless. The UK strongly condemns this serious escalation that puts lives at risk. I am in contact with the Romanian Foreign Minister. The UK stands united with Romania and all allies in defending every inch of NATO territory," noted UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on X.
Italy
"This is a very serious act that demonstrates how this war of aggression spares no one, continuing to brutally attack civilians, ignoring all limits and endangering European security," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as quoted by Reuters.
Italian Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani stated on the X platform that the Italian government calls on the Russian Federation to "seriously commit to a just and lasting peace" and expressed solidarity with the Romanian government following the incident.
Czech Republic
Czech President Petr Pavel called for a "decisive" response so that Russia "clearly understands" that NATO "will not tolerate such attacks."
"The unprecedented overnight strike by a Russian drone on a residential building in Galați, Romania, which resulted in two people being injured, is absolutely unacceptable. However, we must not limit ourselves to joint condemnation alone. Therefore, I unequivocally support Romanian President Dan's call for a decisive international response. Russia must clearly understand that we will not tolerate such attacks," Pavel wrote on X.
"I categorically condemn Russia's further attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, as a result of which one of the drones crashed into a residential building in Romania, injuring two people. The Czech Republic stands firmly by our alliance partners and likewise condemns the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine," noted, in turn, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on X.
Poland
"Whether it was done intentionally or as a result of incompetence, Russia is still dangerous, and we must defend ourselves against it," said Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, as quoted by Reuters.
Moldova
"I strongly condemn the Russian drones attacking Romanians in their homes. This is serious. Russia poses a danger to everyone and must be stopped," noted Moldovan President Maia Sandu on X.