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The drone crash is “the full responsibility of the Russian Federation”, says Romanian FM

For Oana Toiu, Romanian Foreign Affairs minister, Russia is responsible for the crash of a drone in Romania.
For Oana Toiu, Romanian Foreign Affairs minister, Russia is responsible for the crash of a drone in Romania. Copyright  European Union
Copyright European Union
By Gregoire Lory
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Oana Toiu, Romania's foreign minister, confirmed to Euronews that the drone that struck Romania was of Russian origin and was carrying explosives.

Romania on Friday said a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed in the eastern city of Galați, causing a fire on the roof of a residential apartment block.

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"We do consider it the full responsibility of the Russian Federation that our civilians were put at risk", said Oana Toiu, Romania's foreign minister, interviewed by Euronews.

"We do have the final confirmation from the teams on the ground that the drone is a Russian drone and it was carrying explosive."

Since the drone crash, Romanian President Nicușor Dan has declared the Russian consul in Constanta persona non grata and said the Russian consulate in the Black Sea port city would be closed.

"We consider this a clear message to Russia that it is unacceptable and that the security and safety of our citizens is our prime concern", said Toiu.

The incident has sparked strong criticism from leaders across Europe.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that Russia had "crossed yet another line" and vowed to continue to put pressure on Moscow.

"We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people," von der Leyen said, adding that the EU was prepping a 21st package of Russian sanctions.

In a statement, NATO condemned Russia’s "recklessness" and said the alliance would strengthen its defences against "all threats, including drones".

The Romanian minister welcomed this support. It "is very important because it is always important to reaffirm that the security of one is the security of all", she said.

But she also wants to look further ahead and step up the pressure on Russia.

“I have spoken with Kaja Kalas in the morning in terms of accelerating the pace for the 21st package of sanctions and we see there a clear support", declared Toiu.

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