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According to Romanian authorities, the Russian drone entered Romanian airspace before crashing into the roof of an apartment building, starting a fire on the 10th floor.
The incident marks the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine that a Russian drone has attacked a residential building inside a NATO Member State, although several drones have reportedly strayed into Romanian airspace on previous occasions since the invasion began in 2022.
“We strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur” said UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, speaking to journalists at a regular midday briefing in New York.
Romania’s response
Romania called the incident a serious violation of international law and urged NATO defense pact member to speed up the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to strengthen its defenses.
In response, NATO condemned what it described as Russia’s recklessness and vowed to continue strengthening its defenses against emerging threats.
Russia did not confirm or deny responsibility for the drone, and reportedly said that “examinations” of the aircraft were necessary.
Escalating violence in Lebanon is endangering lives and historic sites
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon on Friday expressed deep concern over escalating hostilities between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces that have led to “a horrific escalation of violence, displacement and loss of life.”
In a statementImran Riza said many families were forced to make “impossible choices” in seeking safety.
“The loss of life is huge. According to the Ministry of Public Health, at least 31 people including women and children were killed and 40 others injured in hostilities on May 26 alone,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UN cultural agency UNESCO has raised concerns over damage to some of Lebanon’s most important national buildings as hostilities escalate across the country.
Verified damage has been reported at Chama’ Fort, while an attack was reported near Beaufort Castle – a site protected by international law.
UNESCO also expressed its concern about this ancient city of Tyrea UNESCO World Heritage Sitewarned that continued violence could lead to further destruction and looting.
The agency stressed that attacks on cultural heritage not only damage irreplaceable history but also eliminate shared spaces that are important for healing and social cohesion for communities.
Military activity intensified
UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFILEcontinues to report intense military activity. Humanitarian operations have also faced challenges, with attacks damaging key roads used for medical evacuations and aid deliveries.
Repeated evacuation orders have forced many families to flee their homes several times, while aid officials warn that civilians still face growing risks.
Since fighting escalated in March, the UN World Food Program (WFP) and its partners have distributed more than 11 million meals to conflict-affected communities.
Marking the UN’s International Day of Peacekeeping, UNIFIL paid tribute to the six peacekeepers killed in recent hostilities, while head of mission Major General Diodato Abagnara reiterated that diplomacy remains the only path to a lasting ceasefire.
WFP is increasing emergency response in Akobo as hunger and malnutrition worsen
Turning to South Sudan, where WFP has stepped up its emergency response in Akobo East, providing critical food and nutritional assistance to hundreds of thousands of people facing catastrophic hunger and malnutrition.
This move follows an increase in violence in early March that displaced around 142,000 people from Akobo District and surrounding areas.
“Our hope is to continue reaching people in need. Therefore, the continued safety and security of humanitarian and humanitarian cargo is critical,” said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP Director for South Sudan.
According to the latest global famine warning system update from the IPC – check us outUN News Explanation here – parts of Akobo region are experiencing “catastrophic” levels of hunger and one in four regions is at risk of famine if conditions worsen.
Food shortage
Meanwhile, severe malnutrition among children under five and breastfeeding mothers has increased sharply.
Since launching its emergency response three weeks ago, WFP has reached more than 60,000 people in Akobo, including 15,000 people who received emergency food assistance, despite insecurity, damaged infrastructure and seasonal rains.
An aid convoy of 33 trucks carrying food, nutritional supplies and relief items is expected to arrive this week and may be the last delivery by road before heavy rains cut off access.
WFP plans to continue operations via airlift, with more than 60 humanitarian flights already supporting the response.
