Zakharova says Russia will respond to expulsion of its diplomat from Romania

Russia will adequately respond to the expulsion of its diplomat from Romania under a "far-fetched" pretext, Spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, August 20.

"The attack against the Russian diplomatic presence in this country continues in Armenia. Recently, another employee of our embassy in Bucharest was declared persona non grata - as usual, without reason, under far-fetched pretexts. Of course, we will adequately respond to the Romanian demarche, and we will inform you additionally about the measures taken," she said.

Zakharova also added that Romania's actions are a provocation and are dictated by the desire to show loyalty to Western countries.

"This is a new provocation, implemented according to a scenario that has been repeatedly tested in the vast majority of EU and NATO member countries in recent months," Zakharova said.