BUCHAREST: Romania has requested the departure of 40 Russian diplomats and embassy staff in Bucharest, reflecting worsening ties between the two countries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move comes as other European nations have also taken action against Russian diplomats in response to the conflict.
According to the Romanian foreign ministry, eleven diplomats and 29 technical and administrative staff, along with their families, will leave Romania aboard a civilian aircraft owned by a Russian airline. Local television channels showed an Ilyushin Il-96 aircraft landing at Bucharest airport, scheduled to depart later on Saturday, as confirmed by airport sources.
Russia-Romania Relations After Ukraine War
The Romanian foreign ministry stated that the decision to request the departure of the Russian diplomats and staff “reflects the current level of bilateral relations… after Moscow launched its war of aggression against Ukraine.” The request was made on June 8, providing Moscow with a 30-day period to comply.
In response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Romania, as a NATO member, joined other European countries in expelling Russian diplomats suspected of espionage. Bucharest also revealed that the number of staff at the Russian embassy has been significantly reduced, with more than half of the personnel being expelled.
The strained relations between Romania and Russia are part of a broader deterioration in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As tensions remain high, several countries have taken diplomatic measures, including expulsions and reductions in embassy staff, to demonstrate their disapproval of Russia’s actions.
