Romania names Russian diplomat persona non grata following drone incident

Romania has summoned Russia's ambassador to Bucharest after accusing Moscow of repeatedly violating its airspace and announced the expulsion of a Russian diplomat, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on August 27.

According to the ministry, the move followed alleged incursions into Romanian airspace between July 24 and 26, during which the Romanian Armed Forces reportedly shot down three drones that entered the country's territory without authorisation.

During the meeting, Romanian officials presented the Russian ambassador with fragments of a drone recovered on Romanian soil. Prosecutors investigating the incidents concluded that the components were of Russian origin, the ministry said.

Romania lodged a formal protest over what it described as "illegal and irresponsible" actions and said responsibility for the incidents lay with the Russian Federation. The ministry also stressed that violations of Romanian airspace amounted to breaches of NATO and European Union airspace.

As part of its response, Bucharest handed the Russian ambassador an official diplomatic note declaring a member of the Russian mission in Romania persona non grata. The diplomat has been ordered to leave the country within five days.

The Romanian government also recalled its ambassador to Russia to Bucharest for consultations.

Romania said it would continue coordinating its response with NATO and EU allies while taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national security and protect its citizens.