Residents of a block of flats in Romania’s eastern city of Galați were left shaken after a drone strike damaged the building near the border with Ukraine on Friday, injuring two people, according to Romanian authorities. The BBC visited the site and spoke with a resident who described feeling afraid to return home after the incident. “If I go back to my flat tonight, I will sleep with fear,” he told BBC Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford.
The strike happened in a sensitive area close to the frontier with Ukraine, where the war has repeatedly raised security concerns in neighboring countries. Romania, a NATO member, has faced several incidents involving debris or suspected drone incursions linked to Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian territory. The latest episode has renewed anxiety among local residents living near the border, where the conflict has become a daily source of tension and uncertainty.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan said the drone was likely struck by Ukrainian air defenses over Kyiv’s territory before changing course and entering Romanian airspace. His comments suggested the drone may not have been directly targeting Romania, but rather had been diverted during combat operations connected to the war in Ukraine. Moscow, however, questioned whether the drone was Russian, rejecting certainty over its origin.
The damaged flats in Galați became a visible reminder of how the war has spilled beyond Ukraine’s borders and affected civilians in neighboring countries. While the reported injuries were limited to two people, the psychological impact on residents appears significant. Those living in the building and surrounding area now face the fear that the fighting next door could again reach their homes.
The incident also highlights the continuing risks posed by aerial warfare in the region, especially as Ukraine’s air defenses intercept Russian drones and missiles near populated areas. When weapons or debris go off course, nearby countries can be exposed to unexpected danger. Romania has condemned previous violations of its airspace and has closely monitored developments along its eastern border as the war continues.
For residents of Galați, the event was not an abstract geopolitical issue but a direct and frightening experience. The damaged apartment block stands as a symbol of the war’s spillover effects, while the testimony of those who live there reflects the fear that many people in border communities feel. Even if the drone did not intend to strike Romanian territory, the consequences were real for those inside the building.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the circumstances of the incident, including the drone’s origin and exact flight path. But for the people affected in Galați, the immediate concern is personal safety and the uncertainty of what may come next.
