Strike on Romania: Melnik Accuses Moscow of Expanding the War into NATO Territory

Statement by Ukraine’s UN Ambassador Andriy Melnyk

According to Главком: During an emergency session of the UN Security Council on May 29, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andriy Melnyk, reported that a Russian drone had struck the Romanian city of Galați. According to Melnyk, this attack represents a deliberate escalation by the Kremlin, as the suicide drone violated Romania’s airspace and hit a residential area in Galați, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Melnyk dismissed claims by Russia’s UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia that Moscow was not involved in the incident, emphasizing that the assault serves as a test of NATO’s resolve.

'That is why many Ukrainians cannot help but notice the bitter symbolism of the Russian drone that struck the beautiful city of Galați in Romania-a city so closely tied to the sacred memory of Hetman Mazepa,' Andriy Melnyk

Melnyk also called on Ukraine’s international partners to take active measures, stressing the need to intercept and destroy Russian missiles and drones over Ukrainian territory. 'But most of all, Ukraine needs a commitment from our European and American partners to actively intercept and destroy Russian missiles and drones over the territory of Ukraine,' he emphasized.

Attacks on Kyiv and Russia’s Denial of Allegations

In addition, Melnyk refuted Russian accusations that Ukraine had struck the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. He also reported a nighttime assault on Kyiv that occurred on June 2, when Russian forces attacked the city with attack drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons. Eight districts of Kyiv were targeted, resulting in damage to:

• residential buildings
• medical facilities
• educational institutions
• businesses
• other civilian infrastructure

These events highlight the deteriorating situation in the region and the urgent need for coordinated international action to protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine and its allies. Melnyk’s appeal to global partners underscores the importance of collective security in the face of growing Russian aggression, which poses serious risks not only to Ukraine but to the security of all of Europe.

The recent drone strike in Romania underscores the escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO, further complicating the security landscape in Eastern Europe. In light of these developments, it's essential to examine how Russia is attempting to shift the narrative by attributing blame to Ukraine for the incident. For a deeper understanding of this unfolding situation and its implications, read more about Moscow’s efforts to deflect responsibility.