Romania Requests NATO Air Defense Acceleration and Closes Russian Consulate After Drone Crash (politico.eu)

• Romania summons Russian ambassador and closes consulate in Constanta after drone crash in Galati.
• Bucharest requests accelerated NATO air defense deliveries; not invoking Article 4.
• NATO assesses sensor/shooter optimization; MEROPS system may come under alliance command.

"Romania summoned the Russian ambassador and will close its only Russian consulate in Constanta after a Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in Galati, causing minor injuries. Foreign Minister Oana Toiu told POLITICO that Bucharest will ask NATO to fast-track air defense deliveries, and that NATO's top commander has agreed to previous proposals. Romania has faced at least 25 airspace violations since 2022. NATO is assessing how to optimize sensor and shooter networks, including potentially bringing the MEROPS counter-drone system under NATO command. The incident has heightened tensions on the eastern flank, with other NATO allies reporting similar incursions."