Zaharova: Bilateral relations have been brought to a tragic state, Romania announces expulsion of 51 staff members from the Russian Embassy | Embassy | Russian Embassy
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 8th that dozens of staff members of the Russian Embassy in Romania will be expelled. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the move by the Russian side as "another hostile move" that would damage bilateral relations, stating that the Russian side will make an "appropriate response".
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that, in accordance with the instructions of Foreign Minister Bogdan Orescu, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified Russian Ambassador to Romania Valery Kuzmin on the same day, requesting a reduction in the number of diplomatic and other staff members of the Russian Embassy in Romania.
According to the request of the Romanian side, the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, the capital, needs to reduce its staff by 51 within 30 days, including 21 diplomatic personnel and 30 technical administrative personnel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania stated that this move "reflects the current level of bilateral relations between Russia and Romania," but did not provide specific explanation.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova later said in a statement, "We see this decision as another hostile attack that will further deteriorate bilateral relations. Through Bucharest's actions, bilateral relations have been brought to a tragic state."
The statement stated that the Russian side will respond appropriately to the actions of the Russian side, and specific measures will be announced later.
Romania borders Ukraine and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 2004. Shortly after the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine last year, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats, which the Russian side claimed violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.