In the wake of deteriorating relations between Romania and Russia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, forty members of the Russian embassy staff in Bucharest were instructed to depart from Romania on Saturday.
The Romanian government issued the instructions, encapsulating eleven diplomats and 29 administrative and technical staff and their families.
The Romanian foreign ministry released a statement indicating that these individuals “will exit Romania aboard a civilian aircraft that belongs to a Russian airline.”
Local Romanian broadcasters televised the landing of an Ilyushin Il-96 aircraft at the Bucharest airport. According to sources from the airport quoted by the local press, this aircraft was slated to take off later on Saturday.
The Decision and Its Impact on Bilateral Relations
The Romanian foreign ministry emphasized that this decision mirrors the present state of bilateral relations between the two countries in light of Moscow initiating a war of aggression against Ukraine. The Romanian authorities put forward this request on June 8, allowing Moscow 30 days to fulfil the requirement.
Romania, a member of NATO, is among the various European nations that, after Russia invaded Ukraine, have expelled Russian diplomats suspected of espionage activities. This diplomatic move considerably reduces the staff at the Russian embassy, with Bucharest reporting a reduction of over half.
This directive is a marked shift in Romania’s diplomatic stance, signalling a firm response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The expulsion of Russian diplomats and embassy staff clearly indicates Romania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, demonstrating the country’s willingness to take decisive action to safeguard European security and integrity.
