According to Romanian authorities, the Russian drone entered Romanian airspace before crashing into the roof of an apartment building, causing 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 within 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 any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur,” UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said, speaking to reporters at the regular midday briefing in New York.
Romania’s response
Romania called the incident a serious violation of international law and urged members of the NATO defense pact to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to strengthen their defenses.
In response, NATO condemned what it described as Russia’s recklessness and pledged to continue strengthening its defenses against emerging threats.
Russia has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the drone and has reportedly said an “examination” of the plane is necessary.
Escalating violence in Lebanon puts lives and historic sites at risk
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon on Friday expressed deep alarm at the escalation of hostilities between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces, which have led to a “horrific escalation of violence, displacement and human loss.”
In a statement, Imran Riza said countless families are forced to make “impossible decisions” in search of safety.
“The human costs are immense. According to the Ministry of Public Health, at least 31 people, including women and children, were killed and 40 injured in the hostilities on May 26 alone,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UN cultural agency UNESCO has raised the alarm over damage to some of Lebanon’s most important national monuments as hostilities continue to escalate across the country.
Verified damage has been reported in the citadel of Chama, while attacks were reported near Beaufort Castle, sites protected by international law.
UNESCO also expressed concern about the ancient city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, warning that current violence could lead to further destruction and looting.
The agency highlighted that attacks on cultural heritage not only damage irreplaceable history but also deprive communities of shared spaces vital for recovery and social cohesion.
Military activity intensifies
The UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, continues to report intense military activity. Humanitarian operations also face challenges as strikes damage key roads used for medical evacuations and aid deliveries.
Repeated evacuation orders have forced many families to flee their homes multiple times, as aid officials warn that civilians remain at increasing risk.
Since fighting intensified in March, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and its partners have distributed more than 11 million meals to people affected by the conflict.
On the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, UNIFIL paid tribute to six peacekeepers killed in recent hostilities, while the head of the mission, Major General Diodato Abagnara, reiterated that diplomacy remains the only path to a lasting ceasefire.
WFP steps up emergency response in Akobo as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepens
Moving finally to South Sudan, where WFP has expanded its emergency response in Akobo East, providing vital food and nutrition assistance to hundreds of thousands of people facing catastrophic hunger and malnutrition.
The move follows a surge in violence in early March that displaced approximately 142,000 people from Akobo County and surrounding areas.
“Our hope is to continue reaching people in need. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the safety of humanitarian personnel and humanitarian cargo,” said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP country director in South Sudan.
According to the latest update of the IPC global famine warning system, see ourUN News Explainer here – Parts of Akobo County are experiencing “catastrophic” levels of hunger and one of the four counties is at risk of famine if conditions deteriorate.
Food shortage
Meanwhile, severe malnutrition among children under five and nursing mothers is rising sharply.
Since launching its emergency response three weeks ago, WFP has helped more than 60,000 people in Akobo, including 15,000, with emergency food assistance, despite insecurity, damage to infrastructure and seasonal rains.
A 33-truck aid convoy carrying food, nutritional supplies and relief items is expected to arrive this week and may be the last road delivery before heavy rain cuts off access.
WFP plans to continue operations through air deliveries, with more than 60 humanitarian flights already supporting the response.