Drone incident/ President Nicusor Dan convenes Supreme Council of National Defence

President Nicusor Dan on Friday convened the Supreme Council of National Defence to discuss the implications of the most serious incident affecting Romanian territory since the beginning of the war of aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine.    Approximately 70 people were evacuated or self-evacuated from the apartment block in the city of Galati after a drone carrying an explosive payload crashed into the building on Friday morning.According to the investigations conducted at the scene by specialists from the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), the drone's entire explosive payload detonated, the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) mentioned.There is no need to evacuate the other entrances of the building.According to Lt Col Catalin Sion, a representative of the Galati Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU), there were four victims in total - two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries and two others suffering panic attacks received treatment at the scene.The red intervention plan has been deactivated.Authorities have identified a location for the temporary accommodation of evacuated residents, although no one has been relocated at this stage.For the safety of residents, forces from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), the National Defence Ministry (MApN) and specialised teams from the SRI remain at the scene and are continuing checks.A drone crashed into an apartment block in Galati, with the impact followed by an explosion and a fire breaking out in a flat on the 10th floor. The fire has been extinguished.Authorities issued a RO-ALERT warning message to the public.    Romania has informed its allies and the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance about the drone incident in Galati and has requested measures to accelerate the transfer of counter-drone capabilities to the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) said on Friday morning."The Russian Federation continues to be an aggressor state waging an illegal war with serious implications for regional security and the safety of citizens. The Russian Federation bears direct responsibility for these grave and irresponsible actions. Romania will act with the utmost determination to increase international pressure on the Russian Federation with a view to securing an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "This incident represents a serious and irresponsible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation. Romania will take the necessary diplomatic measures in response to this serious violation of international law and of its airspace," the cited source underlined.    Teams of specialists from the National Defence Ministry (MApN), the Interior Ministry (MAI) and the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) continued investigations on Friday in the area of the apartment block in Galati where a drone crashed.According to a press release the National Defence Ministry sent to AGERPRES, initial information indicates that the entire payload of the Russian-provenance Geran-2 drone exploded on impact.The two people who were injured were taken to the Galati County Emergency Clinical Hospital, according to the quoted source.Citizens are asked to follow the recommendations of the authorities and monitor official updates issued through institutional channels."The National Defence Ministry firmly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and underlines that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area. Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation's disregard for international law and endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens, but also NATO's collective security," the release also reads.   The North Atlantic Alliance condemned on Friday 'Russia's recklessness' in the case of the Russian drone that hit an apartment building in Galati and says it will strengthen defence 'against all threats.''Early this morning, an apartment building in Romania was struck by a drone as Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure near the border,' NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart wrote on X on Friday morning.She pointed out that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 'is in touch with Romanian authorities.'   European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen also said on Friday that Russia 'crossed yet another line' after one of its drones hit an apartment building in Galati and injured civilians in an attack against neighbouring Ukraine during the night.'Russia's war of aggression has crossed yet another line. A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians. On EU territory. We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people,' Von der Leyen wrote in a post on X.'As we continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our Eastern border, we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia,' added the EC president, pointing out that Brussels is preparing a 21st package of sanctions.'We condemn Russia's recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones,' she added.   President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu strongly condemned on Friday "the Russian drone attack that hit Romanian civilians in their own homes in Galati.""This is yet another proof that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine affects the entire region and puts human lives at risk," the Moldovan President wrote in a Facebook post."At this moment, we stand in solidarity with Romania, and Europe must remain united and firm in defending peace, security and democratic values," the President of the Republic of Moldova added.    Representatives of the Ministry of National Defence assured on Friday that 'the situation is under control', stressing that Romania is not facing an attack, but rather the effects of a conflict taking place in the immediate vicinity of its border.'I would like to state very clearly that the situation is under control. We are not facing an attack on Romania; we are facing the effects of a conflict taking place very close to our border. Unfortunately, this has direct consequences for the population in the area. The structures of the Romanian Armed Forces, together with the other state institutions, are continuously monitoring the airspace and are prepared to respond whenever the situation requires,' Brigadier General Gheorghe Maxim told a press conference at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence.   În turn, Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan condemned on Friday morning the incident in Galati, where a drone crashed into a residential block, saying that he had been in contact with the Defence Minister and that all measures had been taken to protect the population."During the night, a Russian drone crashed into a residential block in the municipality of Galati, causing a fire and lightly injuring two people. I was in contact with the Defence Minister and all measures were immediately taken to protect the population, while, on the diplomatic front, Romania's allies and partners were informed. This situation is unacceptable and represents another violation of airspace generated by Russia's irresponsible and unjustified continuation of the war in Ukraine. This war continues to affect the security of Romania and the states on the Eastern Flank. I unequivocally condemn these serious actions and firmly call on Russia to put an immediate end to them," Ilie Bolojan wrote on his Facebook page.According to him, "strengthening national security in order to ensure the protection of citizens must remain the absolute priority for Romania's authorities and political forces.""This was the objective we pursued, including through the EU SAFE programme, but it is clear that all our efforts and actions must be accelerated. The Romanian defence response was limited by the level of available equipment. This is further proof of the importance of the SAFE programme, through which we will ensure comprehensive anti-drone equipment for the Romanian army. The contract will be signed in the coming hours. Delivery of the anti-drone capabilities will begin within a few months. This is why I made such a great effort to bring this programme to completion, despite the irresponsible obstacles of all kinds placed by those who ignore, fail to understand or are unconcerned by the danger posed by Russia. We must focus our efforts on protecting our citizens from such dangers and strengthening our country's defence," the interim prime minister stressed.