A drone attack on a block of flats in Romania has left residents shaken and fearful for their lives, prompting a swift pledge of support from the UK defence secretary. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, targeted a residential building in the city of Galati, near the border with Ukraine. Witnesses reported a series of explosions followed by a fire that engulfed several floors of the building.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating residents and extinguishing the blaze. Three people were injured, one critically. The attack has raised fears that the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine is spilling over into NATO territory.
Romania, a member of the alliance, has condemned the strike as a reckless act of aggression. The UK defence secretary, Grant Shapps, said in a statement: 'We stand with our Romanian allies in the face of this cowardly attack. The UK will provide any assistance needed to ensure the safety of Romanian citizens and to hold those responsible to account.
' The statement added that the UK is monitoring the situation closely and will work with NATO partners to bolster regional security. For the residents of Galati, this attack is a stark reminder that the war in Ukraine is not far away. 'We live in constant fear,' said Maria Popescu, a 62-year-old retired teacher who lives in the block.
'We hear the explosions from across the border, but we never thought it would come to our doorstep. Now we are afraid to sleep in our own beds.' The attack has also sparked debate about the adequacy of air defences in the region.
Local officials have called for increased protection, including the deployment of additional Patriot missile systems. The UK has already deployed troops to Romania as part of a NATO deterrence mission, but Shapps hinted that further measures may be needed. 'We will not allow this aggression to go unanswered,' he said.
'Our commitment to the defence of every inch of NATO territory is absolute.' As the investigation continues, the people of Galati are left to pick up the pieces. The attack has shattered their sense of security.
For many, it feels like the war has finally arrived at their doorstep.
