Russian official warns Europe to brace for more drone incidents after Romania episode

A senior Russian official has warned Europe to expect further incursions by unmanned aircraft after a suspected Russian drone crashed into an apartment block in Romania, an episode that has heightened tensions between Moscow and NATO members. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, said on Friday that such incidents would continue and would result in European citizens losing sleep, blaming what he described as Europe’s “impotent” leaders for supporting Ukraine in the ongoing war.

Medvedev’s remarks followed NATO’s strong condemnation of Moscow’s actions and a pledge to “defend every inch of Allied territory” after Romania reported the drone strike. While Medvedev stopped short of admitting direct responsibility, he asserted that the origins of the aircraft needed further verification. He went on to accuse European governments of contributing directly to the conflict, warning that their involvement would have consequences for their own populations.

“Let them get ready: this will continue to happen,” Medvedev stated. “There is a war going on! And the citizens of EU states, as the population of the belligerent countries, will not be able to sleep peacefully.” He linked the continued drone activity to areas where drones and components are being manufactured or assembled for use in Ukraine, asserting that European military aid—including intelligence support—was enabling attacks inside Russia.

Russia’s response has already extended beyond rhetoric. The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the incident, while the Foreign Ministry said Moscow would take swift action after Romania retaliated by ordering the closure of Russia’s consulate in Constanța. The episode underscores the growing risk of spillover from the Ukraine conflict into NATO territory, raising concerns about escalation and the potential for further destabilisation across Eastern Europe.