Tusk Urges NATO to Take Russian Drone Warnings Seriously After Romania Crash

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged NATO allies to take seriously a warning from Russian official Dmitry Medvedev that drones would continue entering European airspace, following a Russian drone crash into a Romanian apartment building. Tusk stated on May 30 that Russian provocations are increasing, citing incidents in Poland, the Baltic states, and now Romania, and called for all NATO members to take these facts seriously.

Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned that «wandering» drones would continue to fly into European territory, asserting that EU citizens, as residents of «warring countries,» would no longer sleep peacefully. He suggested such incidents could recur near European drone production sites for Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, suggested the drone might be Ukrainian, claiming its origin could not be established without examination.

Romanian authorities rejected this, with President Nicușor Dan confirming a Russian «Geran-2» drone hit a 10-story residential block in Galați on May 28-29 during a Russian assault on Ukraine's Odesa Oblast. This incident caused minor injuries to two people and forced 70 residents to evacuate. Dan declared Russia's consul general in Constanța persona non grata, ordered the consulate closed, and called it the most serious incident on Romanian soil since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Romania's Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu summoned Moscow's ambassador, calling the drone Russian and holding Russia directly responsible for the breach of international law and Romanian airspace. Romania has recovered drone debris 47 times since 2022.

NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart condemned Russia's recklessness, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged solidarity, noting a 21st sanctions package. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for tougher measures against Moscow. Prosecutors in Galați have opened a criminal investigation, treating the impact as attempted aggravated murder.