Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu has stated that the incident involving a Russian drone crashing into a residential building in Galați could provide grounds for invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which envisages consultations among NATO allies.
Responding to a media question on whether NATO’s Article 4 should be activated, Țoiu said the incident falls into the category of events that justify the use of such a mechanism.
“Last night’s incident belongs to the category of incidents that justify the use of this type of instrument. We are talking about consultations among allied states when one of them considers that its security is under threat. Obviously, invoking Article 4 is a joint decision. It is part of the discussions we are currently having regarding the available options,” the Romanian foreign minister said.
She claimed that this is a mechanism Romania has the ability to use.
Asked whether a meeting of the National Security Council would be convened and whether she had discussed the matter with President Nicușor Dan, the minister said consultations are currently underway.
“The president is expected to make the necessary statements today. It is the president’s prerogative to convene the National Security Council and inform the wider public accordingly. Both the defense minister and I remain in constant contact with the president, the prime minister and our allies. NATO’s Secretary General has also been informed,” Țoiu noted.
The incident occurred overnight during a large-scale Russian drone attack on southern Ukraine, particularly targeting areas near the Romanian border and the Ukrainian Danube port infrastructure. Romanian authorities claim that a Russian-origin Geran-2 drone entered Romanian airspace and crashed into a 10-storey residential building in the southeastern city of Galați, triggering an explosion and fire. Two civilians were injured, while dozens of residents were evacuated. Romanian officials described the incident as a serious violation of international law and one of the most severe security incidents on Romanian territory since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
For reference, Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty obliges NATO member states to consult together whenever any member believes its territorial integrity, political independence or security is under threat.
