Vienna, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Austria has decided to expel four Russian diplomats from the country, with three accused of engaging in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status and a fourth linked to the Russian delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Austrian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
The ministry said three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna had been declared “persona non grata”, a diplomatic designation that requires the receiving country to withdraw its recognition of the individuals as acceptable representatives.
The fourth diplomat, who served in the Russian delegation to the OSCE and was responsible for military security and arms control, was also declared “persona non grata”.
Responding to Austria’s decision, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lubinsky said a reaction from Moscow would “inevitably” follow, indicating the possibility of further diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The development comes amid a series of diplomatic disputes involving Russia and European nations over security concerns and alleged violations of national airspace.
In July, Romania declared a member of the Russian Embassy in Bucharest persona non grata and ordered the diplomat to leave the country within five days.
According to Romania’s Foreign Ministry, the action followed alleged repeated violations of Romanian airspace between July 24 and 26, 2026, during which the Romanian Armed Forces shot down three drones that had entered the country’s territory without authorisation.
Romanian officials said fragments of a destroyed drone were presented to the Russian ambassador during a meeting at the ministry. The ministry stated that investigations by prosecutors had confirmed the components were of Russian origin.
Bucharest described the incidents as “illegal and irresponsible” and said violations of Romanian airspace also affected the airspace of NATO and the European Union. It held Russia responsible for the incidents and their impact on regional security.
Austria’s latest decision adds to the diplomatic strain between Russia and European countries amid continuing security concerns linked to the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
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