Russia's ambassador to Bucharest, Vladimir Lipaev, was summoned to Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) on Monday in what the ministry described as 'a firm response to the repeated violations of Romania's airspace between July 24 and 26, during which the Romanian Armed Forces shot down three drones that had entered the country's territory without authorisation.'

'The Romanian side stressed that the Russian Federation bears sole responsibility for all these serious incidents and for the deterioration of the regional security environment,' the Foreign Ministry said in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

During the meeting, the Russian ambassador was formally handed a diplomatic note informing him that a member of Russia's diplomatic mission in Bucharest had been declared persona non grata and must leave Romania within five days.

The Foreign Ministry also recalled Romania's ambassador to the Russian Federation to Bucharest for consultations.

According to the ministry, the Russian diplomat was shown fragments of a drone destroyed on Romanian territory. Prosecutors have officially confirmed that the components recovered are of Russian origin.

'During the meeting, the Romanian side expressed its firm protest against these illegal and irresponsible actions and made clear where responsibility lies. It was underlined that it is absolutely unacceptable and intolerable for the Russian Federation to continue violating Romania's airspace, which is equally NATO and European Union airspace,' the MAE added.

According to the ministry, Romania will continue to coordinate its response closely with its NATO allies and European Union partners and remains firmly committed to taking all necessary measures to protect its national security and its citizens. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)