Romanian authorities are investigating a drone strike that struck a residential block of flats in the capital Bucharest, local police confirmed. The incident occurred around 0400 local time on Tuesday, causing structural damage but no reported casualties. Residents described being jolted awake by the explosion, with one witness stating, “I will sleep with fear from now on.
” The device, believed to be a Shahed-type drone of Iranian origin, is similar to those used by Russian forces in neighbouring Ukraine. Romania, a NATO member, has repeatedly condemned Russian attacks near its border. This is the first confirmed strike on a residential building within Romanian territory since the start of the war in Ukraine, raising concerns about the conflict’s spillover effects.
The Romanian Defence Ministry said it is coordinating with allies and has increased air surveillance. NATO has not yet commented on the incident, but analysts say it underscores the vulnerability of civilian populations to regional instability. The drone’s origin remains unconfirmed, though Russian officials have denied involvement.
The incident has renewed calls for bolstered air defence systems among Eastern European states.
