Moscow: Russia on Thursday announced that it had expelled a Romanian diplomat serving at the country's embassy in Moscow in response to a similar move by Bucharest last month to expel a Russian embassy staffer over alleged drone incursions. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the expulsion decision was communicated through a note to Bucharest's charge d'affaires in Moscow, who was summoned to the ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the expulsion as a countermeasure to Romania's earlier 'unjustified' action of declaring a Russian Embassy employee in Bucharest persona non grata. This diplomatic tit-for-tat comes after Romania's response to alleged airspace violations by Russia.

Last month, Romania summoned Russia's ambassador in Bucharest following what it claimed were repeated breaches of its airspace between July 24-26. During this period, three drones, reportedly of Russian origin, were brought down after entering Romanian airspace. The Romanian Foreign Ministry presented drone fragments to the Russian ambassador, asserting their Russian origin.

The Romanian statement expressed a 'firm protest against these illegal and irresponsible actions,' accusing Russia of violating its airspace and holding it responsible for deteriorating regional security. As part of its response, Romania declared a Russian embassy staff member 'undesirable' and recalled its ambassador in Moscow for consultations.

At the time of the incidents, Moscow refuted Bucharest's allegations and pledged to take an appropriate retaliatory step, leading to the current expulsion of the Romanian diplomat.