Kaja Kallas accuses Russia of violating the sovereignty of Romania after the incident in Galați

The head of the European Union's diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, accused Russia of violating Romania's sovereignty and European airspace after a Russian drone crashed into a residential building in Galați, an incident that resulted in the injury of two civilians. Reuters reported that the drone, of the Geran 2 type and of Russian origin, struck a ten-story building in Galați, a city located near the border with Ukraine.

Kallas, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, stated that she discussed with the Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana Țoiu, to convey the "full solidarity" of the European Union with Romania. The EEAS specifies that Kaja Kallas has held the position of High Representative and Vice-President of the Commission since December 1, 2024.

In short

Kaja Kallas described the incident in Galați as a "flagrant and serious" violation of Romania's sovereignty and European airspace. The Russian drone hit a residential building in Galați and injured two civilians, according to Reuters. The head of EU diplomacy discussed with the Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana Țoiu, to convey the EU's solidarity with Romania. Kallas stated that Moscow cannot be allowed to violate European airspace without consequences. EU foreign ministers promised to increase pressure on Russia, to intensify support for Ukraine, and to invest in Europe's defense capacity.

"The crash of the Russian drone into the apartments in Galați was a flagrant and serious violation of Romania's sovereignty and European airspace," said Kaja Kallas.

She specified that she discussed during the morning with the Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana Țoiu, "to convey the EU's full solidarity with Romania."

The statement is one of the strongest European reactions following the incident in Galați, as it describes the case not only as a consequence of Russian attacks on Ukraine but as a violation of European airspace. "Russia has long ceased to respect borders. Moscow cannot be allowed to violate European airspace without consequences," Kallas said.

The incident occurred in the context of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the border with Romania. According to Reuters, Romania has recorded 28 drone incursions since the beginning of Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports on the Danube, and drone fragments have been recovered 47 times.

Kallas's reaction puts political pressure on the European response. She stated that the foreign ministers of the European Union promised to increase pressure on Russia, to increase support for Ukraine, and to invest in their own defense capacity in Europe. In a recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in defense format, ministers discussed the EU's military support for Ukraine, in the context of developments on the ground and diplomatic efforts for a just and lasting peace.

For Romania, the case in Galați turns the risk of drone incursions into a direct public safety issue. Reuters reported that the explosion caused a fire, damaged cars and buildings, and led to the evacuation of approximately 70 residents.

For the European Union, Kallas's message shows that incidents at the Romanian-Ukrainian border are treated as part of European security. The reference to European airspace, support for Ukraine, and investments in defense indicates a political line in which the response to Russia combines solidarity with affected member states, sanctions, military support for Ukraine, and the development of European defense capabilities.

Romania is a member state of the European Union and NATO and has a border of approximately 650 kilometers with Ukraine, according to Reuters. Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure on the Danube have repeatedly led to the entry of drones or drone fragments into Romanian airspace, but the incident in Galați raised the level of severity by directly affecting a populated area and injuring civilians.