Romania’s foreign ministry has told Russia to reduce the number of embassy positions by 51, to make it the same size as its own embassy in Moscow.
The foreign ministry on Thursday said that because some of the posts at the Russian Embassy are currently vacant, about 40 staff members, 11 diplomats and 29 in technical or administrative jobs, would have to leave Romania.
The ministry said the embassy had 30 days to comply with the decision, following which, some employees would have their accreditation withdrawn if they did not comply.
The move „reflects the current level of bilateral relations” between Romania and Russia, the ministry said.
Romania and Russia have cool relations in recent years which have deteriorated even more since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.
Responding, Russia’s foreign ministry said Moscow would give Bucharest an „appropriate response.”
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Romania expelled several Russian diplomats in line with similar expulsions by other European countries.
