Romania has expelled a Russian diplomat from its embassy in Bucharest, in a new escalation of tensions between the two countries, following repeated incidents of drones violating Romanian airspace.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry announced that the decision was taken as a result of these violations, at a time when Russia has intensified attacks on neighboring Ukraine.
According to Romanian authorities, Air Force F-16 fighter jets shot down three drones in three days, from Friday to Sunday, after they entered the country's airspace.
Today at @MAERomania, the Russian side learned what they already knew: the drones downed on Romanian territory belong to them.
Drone fragments recovered by the Ministry of National Defense and the ongoing prosecutor investigation confirm their Russian origin beyond any doubt. pic.twitter.com/8PHTPcU1XN
— Toiu Oana (@oana_toiu) July 27, 2026
Romania, as a NATO member, has faced several incidents related to the war in Ukraine, especially in areas near the border with Ukraine and the Danube River.
Moscow, on the other hand, has rejected Bucharest's accusations. The Russian embassy in Romania called the claims "unfounded," stating that Russia has never flown drones against targets on Romanian territory.
Russia also warned that it would take retaliatory measures against the decision to expel the diplomat, without giving details on what steps might be taken.
