On Saturday, two British fighter jets were dispatched and 200 residents were evacuated following a drone crash in Romania amid a wave of Russian attacks on neighboring Ukraine.

Authorities in Romania reported that, after a drone touched down in the southeastern city of Galati near the Ukrainian border, 200 people were evacuated and two British fighter jets were deployed in response.

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Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, this is not the first time Romania — a NATO and EU member — has experienced airspace breaches and drone debris falling onto its land.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan pointed out, however, that «this marks the first occasion when Romanian property has sustained damage, a threshold considered very seriously.» Following the event, the foreign minister summoned the Russian ambassador for explanations.

The incident, which took place in «a populated area,» caused no injuries, according to the defense ministry. However, an electricity pole and an outbuilding were damaged, and gas supply was cut off as a safety precaution.

Additionally, two Royal Air Force fighter jets based at Borcea, part of a NATO deployment, were scrambled after the drone landed, according to the defense ministry.

The British defense ministry dismissed reports claiming their jets had shot down Russian drones.

Additional sources • AFP