Russia Declares Moldovan Diplomat Persona Non Grata

Russia declared a Moldovan Embassy employee in Moscow persona non grata and ordered the diplomat expelled, calling the move reciprocal after Moldova expelled a Russian Embassy employee in October. Chisinau’s action followed the discovery of a drone, which Moldovan authorities said carried explosives and violated the country’s airspace; Russia rejected responsibility, saying Moldova had not provided evidence that the drone was Russian. The exchange adds to strained relations as Moldova has repeatedly reported drones entering its territory during Russia’s war against Ukraine.