Romania shuts Russian Consulate in Constanța amid drone incident

Romania ordered the closure of the Russian Consulate in Constanța and declared the Russian consul general persona non grata after a Russian drone crashed onto a residential block in Galaţi, causing an explosion, a fire and injuries to two Romanian citizens. President Nicușor Dan described the move as a “proportional response” to the disrespect shown toward Romania.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zaharova responded on Telegram, asking “When do you intend to close the Ukrainian diplomatic representation or expel Ukrainian diplomats?” following reports that the drone that exploded in the Constanța port was of Ukrainian origin.

Former Romanian foreign minister and senator Titus Corlățean warned that Moscow is likely to mount a “broad reaction,” noting the Russian side’s sophisticated diplomatic strategies and indicating that further tests of Romania’s security arrangements are expected.