Nato Article 4 could be triggered after Russian drone hits block of flats in Romania

Several people have been hurt after a Russian drone smashed into an apartment block in Romania.

The explosive hit the building in Galati, a city in the east of the country, which is a member of Nato.

The Romanian foreign ministry said the incident was a ‘serious and irresponsible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation’.

Foreign minister Oana Toiu said the incident should trigger Nato Article 4, which gives members powers to call for an emergency meeting.

It’s not the first time Russian drones have strayed into Nato territory. In September last year, dozens entered Polish airspace, triggering Nato and the Polish Air Force to scramble fighter jets.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had ‘crossed another line’.

In a post on X, she said: ‘We stand in full solidarity with Romani and its people. As we continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our eastern border, we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia.’

Romanian brigadier general Maxim said the drones breached defences for a very short time and flew below radar capabilities.

He added the US anti-drone system Merops is operational but hasn’t been introduced into the national defence system.