'No One Can Say The Origin': Putin Says Too Early To Blame Russia Over Drone Crash In Romania

Last Updated:May 29, 2026, 23:10 IST

Putin pushed back against allegations, saying that Ukrainian drones had previously entered the airspace of Finland, Poland and Baltic states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said it was too early to conclude that a drone which crashed into a residential building in Romania was Russian, after Bucharest and NATO allies blamed Moscow for the incident.

The crash occurred overnight Thursday–Friday in the city of Galati, near the Ukrainian border, when a drone struck an apartment block roof, sparking a fire. Romanian officials said two people were injured, including a 14-year-old boy and a 53-year-old woman.

Romania called the incident as a “serious and irresponsible escalation", while NATO and the European Union also pointed the finger at Russia, warning against further airspace violations.

Speaking at a press conference in Astana, Putin said he had only just been informed about the incident. “I just learned, before entering this hall, that something happened with what was supposedly our drone," he said.

ALSO READ: Russian Drone Hits Romania Apartment Block: Will NATO Invoke Article 5 And What Happens Next?

“No one can say the origin of this or that aircraft until an examination of that aircraft is conducted," Putin added, calling for an investigation based on “objective data".

He also pushed back against Western allegations, saying Ukrainian drones had previously entered the airspace of Finland, Poland and Baltic states. “If they provide us with any objective data… in that case, will we assess what happened," he said.

Drone incursions linked to the war in Ukraine have been reported in Romania dozens of times since Russia’s invasion in 2022, but this is the first time a residential building has been hit on Romanian soil.

Putin also rejected claims that Russia poses a direct threat to Europe. “Russia has never threatened and is not threatening European countries," he said, accusing Western states of using the conflict to justify “exorbitant spending" on defence.

The Romanian defence ministry said two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled during the incident after the drone entered its airspace amid Russian strikes on Ukraine. Authorities said they are still assessing the origin of the aircraft.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world 'No One Can Say The Origin': Putin Says Too Early To Blame Russia Over Drone Crash In Romania

Read More