Russia has threatened a "tough response" after Moldova expelled a Russian embassy staff member following an alleged airspace violation. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region as Moscow and Chisinau spar over a recent drone incursion.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced on Friday that a Russian Geran 4 attack drone had entered Moldovan airspace, crashing near residential homes and an energy facility on the outskirts of the village of Chistelnita in the Telenesti district. The drone reportedly carried a 52.4-kilogram warhead, which Moldovan authorities safely removed before the national army’s bomb disposal unit conducted a controlled detonation.

In response to the violation, Moldova declared a Russian embassy staff member persona non grata and expelled them from the country. President Sandu condemned the drone incident as a dangerous act that endangered Moldovan lives.

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed Moldova’s accusations, with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asserting that Moscow had not been provided with evidence linking the drone to Russia. She described Moldova’s actions as "hostile" and warned that Moscow would reply with an "adequate tough response."

The incident highlights ongoing friction between Moldova and Russia. Since 2022, drones have frequently violated Moldovan airspace amidst the broader conflict stemming from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania, has previously expelled several Russian diplomats, reflecting deteriorating relations since a pro-Western government assumed power in 2020.

Once maintaining strong ties with Moscow as a former Soviet republic, Moldova’s shift towards Western alliances has contributed to rising diplomatic tensions. This latest episode underscores the fragile security situation in the region and the continuing contest over influence between Russia and Moldova.