Ukraine's United Nations envoy Andriy Melnyk has firmly rejected any suggestion that Kyiv was linked to the drone that crashed into a building in Romania's Galati region, insisting it was a Russian drone. Speaking at the United Nations, Melnyk dismissed Moscow's denials and backed Romanian findings that identified the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a Russian-made Geran-2.
Confusion Deepens Over Drone Incident
However, confusion deepened after Romanian President Nicusor Dan suggested that the drone may have veered off course after being struck by Ukrainian air defense systems. This statement contradicted Ukraine's position and raised questions about the origin of the drone. The incident has escalated tensions between Russia and NATO, as Romania is a member of the alliance.
Russia Demands Investigation
Russia has demanded an international investigation into the incident, while Western leaders have condemned Moscow over the high-stakes event. The crash occurred in the city of Galati, near the border with Ukraine, and has sparked concerns about the potential for spillover from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukraine's envoy doubled down on the claim that the drone was Russian, stating that there is no evidence to support the shootdown theory. He called on the international community to hold Russia accountable for what he described as a reckless act that endangered civilian lives.
The incident has also drawn attention to the use of Geran-2 drones, which are known to be employed by Russian forces in Ukraine. The drones are often used for reconnaissance and strike missions, and their presence in Romanian airspace has alarmed NATO officials.
Meanwhile, Romanian authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, and have not yet released a final report on the incident. The United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the matter in an upcoming session.
