Romania Shuts Russian Consulate Following Drone Attack That Injured Civilians in Galati

Romania has declared the Russian consul general in Constanța persona non grata and decided to shut down the Russian consular mission in the Black Sea city following the drone incident in Galați that injured two civilians and intensified tensions with Moscow.

The measures were announced after an emergency meeting of Romania’s Supreme National Defense Council convened by President Nicușor Dan. The session lasted around two and a half hours and focused on what Romanian authorities described as a serious violation of national airspace involving a Russian-made Geran-2 drone.

According to the Romanian Ministry of Defense, the drone was part of a larger wave launched from Russian-controlled territory during attacks linked to the war in Ukraine. Officials said only one drone entered Romanian airspace before crashing into a residential apartment building in Galați and exploding on impact.

The strike occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m., triggering an emergency response operation. Residents were evacuated from the building while authorities secured the surrounding area. Two civilians were injured in the explosion.

President Dan said Moscow bears direct responsibility for the incident. “Last night we had a serious incident in which two Romanian citizens were injured. Russia bears full responsibility,” he stated after the meeting.

Romanian officials described the closure of the Russian consulate in Constanța as one of the strongest diplomatic actions taken by Bucharest against Moscow in recent years, reflecting growing concern over security risks along NATO’s eastern flank.

Dan also criticized Romanian public figures whom he accused of minimizing Russia’s responsibility for the incident. “Citizens can clearly see who is pro-Western and who is just pretending,” he said, while confirming that the aircraft involved was identified as a Geran-2 drone.

The emergency meeting brought together senior defense, intelligence, and government officials. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan did not attend because he was on an official visit to Chișinău, while presidential security adviser Marius Lazurca was also abroad on official duties.

Romanian authorities said additional measures are now being prepared to strengthen national air defenses and improve counter-drone capabilities. Bucharest is also consulting NATO allies on expanding regional security coordination following the incident.