Rome: Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli on Friday called for the rule of international law and for unity among European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( Nato) countries after a Russian drone involved in an attack on Ukraine hit a residential building in Galati city of Romania overnight, igniting a fire and injuring two people in “an extremely serious incident”.
“The raid carried out by a Russian drone against a civilian building in Romania, which resulted in the injury of two citizens on the territory of an EU and Nato member state, is an extremely serious incident,” Cirielli said.
“This episode once again highlights the risks posed by a conflict that continues to threaten the security and stability of the European continent. No war can justify the involvement of innocent civilians or the crossing of allied countries’ borders,” he added, voicing solidarity with Romania for the attack, Adnkronos news agency reported.
“At this moment, it is essential to strongly reaffirm the principles of international law and the unity of European and Atlantic partners,” Cirielli said.
The drone attack in Galati has drawn condemnation from Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas as concern grows over Russia’s wider campaign of hybrid warfare across Europe.
Romanian Foreign Minister Toiu Oana said that Romania has summoned the Ambassador of Russia to Romania Vladimir Lipayev to the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We have confirmation from the Ministry of National Defence that the drone which crashed into a residential building in Galati was of Russian origin,” she noted.
“The decision was taken following this extremely serious incident, and we will officially communicate the consequences that this lack of responsibility on the part of the Russian Federation will have for the diplomatic relations between our countries, as well as the next steps at the European level regarding sanctions packages,” she emphasised.
Romania’s President Nicusor Dan convened the Supreme Council of National Defence on Friday.
The drone attack caused a fire on the roof of a residential apartment building, and two people sustained minor injuries, and several residents required medical attention. The building was evacuated.
(IANS)
