Romania says drone fragments damage property during overnight Russian attack

Romania recovered drone fragments in the southeastern city of Galati after an overnight Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine, with an electricity pole and a household annex damaged, its defence ministry said in a statement.



There were no casualties, the ministry said.



Romania's emergency response agency later said it was evacuating the area where it had recovered drone fragments as the fragments could contain an explosive charge. The fragments will be disposed of in a secure location.



Romania, a member of both NATO and the European Union, shares a 650-km land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones repeatedly breach its airspace as Moscow attacks Ukraine ports on the other side of the Danube river.



While drone fragments have routinely fallen on Romania, Saturday marked the first time property had been damaged.



"The defence ministry firmly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that these represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area," the ministry's statement said.



"Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation's lack of respect for the norms of international law and endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens, but also the collective security of NATO."