Moldova expels Russian embassy staffer over drone claim

Russia warned Saturday that it would give a "tough response" after Moldova expelled a Russian embassy staff member over an alleged airspace violation involving a drone.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said late Friday that a Russian Geran attack drone had violated Moldova's airspace and fallen near family homes and an energy facility. She said Moldova had declared a Russian embassy staff member persona non grata in response.

Moldovan police said on Telegram that a Geran 4 drone carrying a 52.4-kilo warhead was found on the outskirts of Chistelnita village in the central Telenesti district. Police said the warhead was removed, transported to safety and destroyed in a controlled operation by the national army's bomb disposal unit.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moldova's actions would not remain without an "adequate tough response" from Russia. She also disputed Moldova's reasoning, saying evidence of the drone's Russian origin had not been presented.

Moldova has previously expelled several Russian diplomats. Drones have repeatedly entered Moldovan territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Relations between Moldova and Russia have deteriorated since the war began, while Sandu's government has pushed for Moldova to join the European Union.