Russia warns of ‘firm response’ after Moldova expels diplomat

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia has warned of a “firm response” to Moldova’s decision to declare a Russian embassy staff member in Chisinau persona non grata, describing the move as a “hostile action.”

“These hostile actions by the Moldovan leadership will not go unanswered, and Russia will deliver an adequate and firm response,” the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced Friday that Chisinau had declared a Russian Embassy staff member persona non grata, claiming a Russian-made Geran attack drone violated the country’s airspace and crashed near family homes and an energy facility.

Russia said no evidence had been presented to substantiate the drone’s alleged origin.

“The decision by the Moldovan authorities is part of Chisinau’s destructive anti-Russian policy, aimed at completely dismantling centuries-old Russian-Moldovan relations and severing ties between the peoples of the two countries,” the ministry said.

It accused Moldova of expelling several Russian diplomats in recent years on what it called fabricated pretexts or without providing any justification.

“The real aim of these actions is to severely hamper the work of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau,” the ministry said, adding that Moldovan citizens were among those who “suffer most” because of limited access to consular services and other assistance from Russian diplomatic missions.