Russia has declared a Romanian embassy employee persona non grata in response to Romania's previous expulsion of a Russian diplomat.
Key facts
- •Russia declared a Romanian embassy employee persona non grata on Thursday.
- •The expulsion is a retaliatory measure for Romania's earlier removal of a Russian diplomat.
- •Romania previously expelled a Russian diplomat following drone-related airspace violations.
- •In May, a drone crash in the Romanian city of Galati injured two people.
- •Russia has denied allegations that it was responsible for the drone crash in Galati.
Russia announced on Thursday that it is expelling an employee of the Romanian embassy in Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated the move is a direct response to Romania's decision last month to declare a member of the Russian embassy staff in Bucharest persona non grata.
Context of Diplomatic Tensions
Romania's decision to expel the Russian diplomat followed a series of drone-related airspace violations. In May, Bucharest accused Russia of launching a drone that crashed into an apartment building in the city of Galati, resulting in two injuries. Russia has rejected these allegations.
Drone Incursions in Romania
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, dozens of drone incursions have been detected over Romanian territory. The incident in Galati marked the first time a residential building was struck during these events.
Timeline
- MayBucharest accused Russia of launching a drone that crashed into a building in Galati.
- Last monthRomania declared a member of the Russian embassy staff in Bucharest persona non grata.
- ThursdayRussia declared an employee of the Romanian embassy in Moscow persona non grata.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Moscow Times.
