Russia disputes Romanian evidence over downed drones

The Russian Embassy in Bucharest has dismissed evidence provided by Romanian authorities regarding the origin of drones shot down in Romanian airspace between July 24 and 26. According to statements released via Russian media, the embassy claimed that officials presented only “pieces of polystyrene” as purported proof of Russian origin, rather than factual evidence linking the drones to Moscow.

The diplomatic tension follows the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoning Russian Ambassador Vladimir Lipaev due to repeated airspace violations. In response to these incidents, Romania has issued a verbal note ordering a Russian diplomat to leave the country within five days and has recalled its own ambassador from Moscow for consultations.

Russian officials have characterized the drone shoot-downs as “staged incidents” involving shots fired at training targets. They allege the events were orchestrated to justify increased military spending and Romania's militarization efforts amidst difficult socio-economic conditions.