Romania has intensified tensions with Russia by expelling a diplomat after shooting down three drones over three consecutive days. From July 24 to 26, the Romanian military intercepted and downed Shahed-type drones identified as Russian. This prompted the Foreign Ministry to declare the diplomat persona non grata on July 27, ordering their departure within five days.
The Romanian government did not stop at expulsion. Authorities presented physical proof of the drone incursions directly to the Russian diplomat before expelling them, signaling a firm diplomatic stance. also Romania recalled its ambassador from Moscow for consultations, marking a clear escalation in bilateral relations.
These drone incidents are part of a series of confrontations this year. In May, Romania shut down Russia's consulate in Constanta and expelled a Russian consul after another drone crash in Galati. Russia retaliated by closing Romania's consulate in St. Petersburg in June, further deepening diplomatic strains.
