Britain Calls In Russian Envoy Over NATO Airspace Breach

(MENAFN) Britain summoned the Russian ambassador Wednesday over what it described as "continued strikes on Ukraine, and Russia's violation of NATO airspace," as diplomatic tensions across Europe escalated following a drone strike on a residential building in Romania last week.

A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed the ambassador had been called in to "strongly" condemn Moscow's "grave escalation."

"Injuring innocent civilians on NATO territory is unacceptable and a stark reminder of the threat that Ukrainian civilians are having to endure on a daily basis," the spokesperson said.

London accused Russia of displaying "blatant disregard" for civilian life, pointing to hundreds of drones and missiles launched into Ukraine while threatening surrounding nations. The statement also took direct aim at recent evacuation warnings issued to diplomats in Kyiv.

"Recent warnings for diplomats to leave Kyiv were irresponsible and unjustified," it said, adding: "The UK stands firmly with Ukraine, Romania and all of our NATO Allies and we will defend every inch of NATO territory."

The diplomatic firestorm was ignited Friday when Romanian authorities reported that a Russian drone struck a 10-story apartment block in the city of Galati. Bucharest moved swiftly, summoning Moscow's ambassador the same day. President Nicusor Dan went further, ordering the closure of Russia's Consulate General in Constanta and formally declaring the Russian consul general in the southeastern port city persona non grata.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, urged Romania to launch a formal investigation into the incident, noting that Ukrainian drones had previously crossed into Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states — initially drawing accusations against Moscow before subsequent investigations pointed to different conclusions.

MENAFN04062026000045017169ID1111209714