Dmitry Medvedev, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has issued a stark warning to Europe following a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Romania, a NATO member nation. The incident, which occurred on Friday in the eastern city of Galati, left two people injured and has drawn widespread condemnation across the continent.
Medvedev's Threat
Medvedev, who serves as Russia's deputy chair of the Security Council and is a former president, took to social media platform X to address citizens of EU countries. He wrote: 'You should realise your authorities have unilaterally entered into a war with Russia. So be vigilant and don't be surprised by anything. The peaceful sleep is over. But you know who to ask why!'
This is not the first time Medvedev has engaged in sabre rattling. In October, he suggested Europeans should 'crap themselves with fear' over drone sightings above the continent. In May 2023, he declared that British officials were legitimate war targets after then-foreign secretary James Cleverly supported Ukraine's right to strike Russia. Months earlier, he warned of nuclear war if Russia loses the conflict.
NATO Response
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu stated that the incident should trigger NATO Article 4, which allows member states to call for an emergency meeting. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the drone strike as a 'serious violation of NATO airspace.' NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commented: 'Last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don't stop at the border. NATO stands ready to defend every inch of allied territory. Russia's reckless behaviour is a danger to us all.'
Previous Violations
This is not the first time a NATO member's airspace has been violated by Russia. In September last year, dozens of drones entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO and the Polish Air Force to scramble fighter jets. The latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West amid the war in Ukraine.
The drone strike in Romania has heightened fears of further escalation, with European leaders calling for a unified response to ensure the security of all NATO members.
