NATO has issued a first statement after a drone crashed into an apartment building in Romania on Friday morning. The drone, believed to be Russian, was launched as Vladimir Putin’s forces were once again pummeling Ukraine near the NATO border.

Following the incident, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said on X: “Early this morning, an apartment building in Romania was struck by a drone as Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure near the border. @SecGenNATO is in touch with Romanian authorities. We condemn Russia’s recklessness, and NATO will continue to strengthen our defences against all threats, including drones.”

Romania’s defence ministry said early on Friday that the explosive laden Russia drone crashed in the eastern city of Galati as Russia carried out attacks in Ukraine near the border.

The drone caused a fire on the 10th floor of the residential building with two people sustaining injuries and around 70 people were evacuated as the fire was put out.

Romania’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said the drone’s entire explosive payload detonated. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after the drones were detected in Romanian airspace.

“One of these drones entered Romanian airspace, was tracked by radar as far as the southern part of the city of Galati, and crashed onto the roof of an apartment building, with the impact triggering a fire,” it said.

Residents in affected areas received alert messages on their phone.

Romania’s foreign ministry described the drone incident as a “grave and irresponsible escalation” from Russia. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said “Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line”.

She added that the EU will “continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our Eastern border” and “will keep increasing the pressure on Russia”.

“We are preparing a 21st package of sanctions”, Von der Leyen concluded.

French ​minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad added that the incident was a threat to European security.

He said: “Russia has not only ‌attacked Ukraine, but also ‌threatened the European security architecture.”