Romania Declares Russian Diplomats Persona Non Grata Amid Ongoing Tensions

Romania has once again taken decisive action in its diplomatic relations with Russia, declaring the Russian military attaché, Victor Makovski, and his deputy, Evgeni Ignatiev, persona non grata. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited activities incompatible with their diplomatic status under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations as the primary reason for this decision.

This move marks another chapter in the strained ties between Bucharest and Moscow, which have been deteriorating significantly since the onset of the war in Ukraine.

A History of Diplomatic Expulsions

This is not the first time Romania has expelled Russian diplomats. Such actions have become increasingly frequent in recent years:

• July 2024: Romania expelled a Russian diplomat following allegations of espionage involving a Romanian citizen who provided sensitive military information to the Russian Embassy in Bucharest. Russia responded by declaring a Romanian diplomat persona non grata in Moscow.
• July 2023: Romania expelled 40 Russian diplomats and embassy staff, drastically reducing the size of Russia’s diplomatic mission in Bucharest. This followed earlier expulsions in 2022, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine began.
• April 2022: Romania joined other European Union nations in expelling several Russian diplomats as part of a coordinated response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

These incidents are emblematic of a broader pattern of reciprocal actions between Romania and Russia, reflecting deepening mistrust and geopolitical divergence.

Geopolitical Context

Romania’s firm stance against Russia stems from its alignment with NATO and EU policies, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. Bucharest has consistently condemned Russian aggression and taken steps to limit Moscow’s influence in the region. This includes banning Russian delegations from attending international events in Romania, such as the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in 2024.

In response, Russia has also taken retaliatory measures. For instance, it closed Romania’s consulate-general in Rostov-on-Don in October 2024, citing “unfriendly actions.” These tit-for-tat measures underscore the frosty relations between the two nations.

The ongoing cycle of diplomatic expulsions highlights the bilateral tensions between Romania and Russia and the broader geopolitical rift between Moscow and Western-aligned nations. As Romania continues asserting its position as a staunch NATO ally, these diplomatic confrontations will likely persist, further straining an already fragile relationship.

While such actions are symbolic demonstrations of sovereignty and disapproval, they also reflect a more profound struggle for influence and security in Eastern Europe—a region increasingly defined by its resistance to Russian aggression.