When Russia's War Crosses Borders: Why Congress Must Pass the Ukraine Support Act
Last week, a drone strike hit a 10-storey apartment block in Galati, Romania, just across the border from Ukraine, wounding two people. It was the first such incident to cause casualties inside Romania, but far from the first incursion: Romanian officials report more than 40 instances of drones entering Romanian territory.
Romania's President confirmed the drone was a Geran-2 of Russian origin. Romania's Foreign Minister, Oana Toiu, said Moscow bears responsibility for the strike and called for stronger air defenses across NATO's entire eastern flank.
A fire started on the roof of a residential building struck by a Russian drone in Romania.
Photo: Associated Press / Romanian Department for Emergency
"It is quite clear that we need to increase air monitoring and air defence capabilities throughout the eastern flank," Toiu said, adding that the pressure on Romania is especially high given its long border with Ukraine stretching along the Danube and into the Black Sea.
Bucharest is now in talks with NATO on boosting its short-term capabilities and is working with Kyiv on a joint anti-drone defense project.
A Threat That Reaches Beyond Ukraine
The incident in Galati is a stark reminder: Russia's war does not respect borders, and its consequences ripple across the entire region. Defending Ukraine means defending the security of NATO's eastern flank and the stability of Europe as a whole.
Foreign Minister Toiu also noted something important: Ukraine is "now stronger in holding the front line" and is ready for talks on a ceasefire, but there needs to be "increased pressure" for Moscow to show genuine interest in diplomacy. As she put it, there is now "no scenario" under which Russia could claim a "full win" in the war.
That is exactly why sustained, comprehensive U.S. support matters right now, and why the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 2913) is so important.
What H.R. 2913 Does
H.R. 2913, the Ukraine Support Act, is the most comprehensive piece of pro-Ukraine legislation before Congress today. It brings together, in a single coordinated package:
Support for Ukraine's sovereignty and defense, including the air defense capabilities that protect both Ukraine and its neighbors
A reconstruction trust fund, to help rebuild what Russia has destroyed
Stronger sanctions and export controls on Russia
Measures countering Russian disinformation
Reinforced transatlantic security cooperation, strengthening the very alliance Romania is now turning to for help
In other words, H.R. 2913 addresses both halves of the challenge: helping Ukraine hold the line and increasing the pressure that pushes Moscow toward a genuine, just peace.
A Bipartisan Breakthrough
Despite broad bipartisan support, H.R. 2913 faced long delays in Congress. To move it forward, a bipartisan group of lawmakers used a discharge petition — and on May 13, 2026, it reached the 218 signatures needed to bring the bill toward a House floor vote. The procedural fight is won. Now the bill needs to reach the floor and pass.
The Bottom Line
The drone that struck Romania is a warning. Russia's aggression is not contained, and neither are its costs. The stronger and better-supported Ukraine is, the safer Ukraine, NATO's eastern flank, and the wider region all become.
Congress now has comprehensive, bipartisan legislation ready to deliver that support. The time to pass it is now.