**Russia Expels Two Romanian Diplomats in Tit-for-Tat Move**
In a move that is likely to escalate tensions between Russia and Romania, Moscow has expelled two Romanian diplomats from the country. The decision was made in response to Bucharest’s expulsion of two Russian diplomats in March, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
The expulsions are the latest in a series of tit-for-tat moves between Russia and Western nations since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022. The move is also seen as a sign of worsening relations between Russia and Romania, which has been critical of Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
**Background: Romanian Expulsion of Russian Diplomats**
In March, Romania expelled two Russian diplomats, Victor Makovskiy and Evgeny Ignatiev, who served as the country’s military attache and his deputy. The move was reportedly taken in response to Russia’s interference in Romania’s presidential election. Makovskiy and Ignatiev were declared “persona non gratae” by the Romanian government, which meant they were no longer welcome in the country.
The expulsions were widely seen as a sign of Romania’s growing unease with Russian influence in the region. The move was also reportedly connected to the campaign of Romania’s pro-Russian presidential candidate, Calin Georgescu, who was barred from running amid accusations of Russian cyberattacks and bias on social media.
**Russia Responds**
In response to the expulsion of Makovskiy and Ignatiev, Russia promised to take measures against Romanian diplomats. And now, two Romanian diplomats have been declared “persona non gratae” by Russia and ordered to leave the country within a short period of time.
The move is likely to be seen as an escalation of tensions between Russia and Romania. Diplomatic expulsions are usually a sign of serious disagreements between nations, and this latest move suggests that relations between Moscow and Bucharest are becoming increasingly strained.
**Commentary**
“This is just the latest example of how Russia’s actions in Ukraine have led to increased tensions with Western nations,” said political analyst Maria Ivanova. “Russia’s behavior has become more aggressive and unpredictable, and it’s likely to continue to see more diplomatic expulsions like this one.”
The move is also a reminder that the war in Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences for the region. The conflict has led to increased tensions between Russia and its neighbors, including Romania.
**What’s Next?**
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop from here. However, it’s clear that relations between Russia and Romania are becoming increasingly strained. The diplomatic expulsions are a sign of serious disagreements between nations, and it’s likely to take time for tensions to ease.
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