Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued a stark warning to citizens of European Union countries, declaring that their governments had “unilaterally entered into a war with Russia” amid escalating tensions following a reported Russian drone strike in Romania.
Medvedev’s comments came after top Western leaders condemned what they described as a Russian drone incursion into Romanian territory that injured civilians and heightened fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and NATO allies.
In a statement posted on Friday, May 29, 2026, Medvedev warned European citizens to prepare for worsening instability.
“Citizens of EU countries, You should realize 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!” he wrote.
The warning followed strong reactions from European and NATO leaders after Romania reported that a Russian drone struck a residential area in Galați, injuring civilians.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the attack and announced plans for additional sanctions against Moscow.
“Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line.A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians.On EU territory,” she said in a statement seen by SaharaReporters on Friday.
“We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people. As we continue strengthening our security and deterrence, especially on our Eastern border, we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia.We are preparing a 21st package of sanctions.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the incident, saying Russia had repeatedly shown disregard for civilian lives and international law.
“Last night a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and hit a residential building, injuring civilians,” Starmer tweeted on Friday, May 29, 2026.
“Time and again, Russia has shown it has no regard for civilian life, international law, or sovereignty of its neighbours. We stand with Ukraine, Romania and all NATO allies.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney similarly described the incident as a dangerous escalation and a violation of Romanian sovereignty.
“Canada stands with Romania and strongly condemns last night’s reckless Russian drone incursion in Galați, which injured two people. Another escalation in Russia’s unjust war of aggression against Ukraine.”
“This incident is a serious violation of Romanian airspace and international law by Russia. Canada and our NATO Allies remain ready to defend allied territory.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to defend member states, stressing that the military bloc stood in “absolute solidarity” with Romania.
“I just spoke with President Nicusor Dan of Romania about the Russian drone that hit a residential building in Galati. I assured him of NATO’s absolute solidarity with Romania and expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident. I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones,” Rutte said in a statement released on Friday.
He added that Russia’s actions posed a broader threat beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.”
“Russia’s war needs to end, as does Russia’s disregard for civilian safety. For our part, we will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defence at home and continue our support for Ukraine as they defend against Russia’s aggression.”
The exchange of threats and condemnations marks another sharp escalation in tensions between Russia and Western allies as the war in Ukraine increasingly spills into neighbouring territories, raising fears of a broader regional conflict involving NATO member states.
