Russia warns of a “firm response” after Moldova declares embassy staffer persona non grata over drone incident

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that Moscow would deliver an “adequate and firm response” to Moldova’s decision to declare a Russian embassy staff member persona non grata in Chisinau, calling the move hostile and saying it would not go unanswered.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said Chisinau took the measure after a Russian-made Geran attack drone violated the country’s airspace and crashed near residential homes and an energy facility. Russia said no evidence had been presented to substantiate the drone’s alleged Russian origin.

The Russian ministry described the decision as part of what it called Chisinau’s destructive anti-Russian policy, aimed at dismantling centuries-old relations and severing ties between the two peoples. It accused Moldova of expelling several Russian diplomats in recent years on fabricated pretexts or without justification, saying the real aim was to severely hamper the Russian Embassy’s work.

The ministry added that Moldovan citizens suffer most from the resulting limits on access to consular services and other assistance from Russian diplomatic missions.