Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Romania’s ban on displaying the Russian flag and anthem at competitions as outrageous. She stated that neither event organizers nor authorities dared to contradict the “provincial figure” who apparently made this decision to boost their authority.

• Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called Romania’s ban on Russian symbols at competitions outrageous.
• Zakharova stated that event organizers and authorities did not oppose the ban.
• She suggested the decision was made by a “provincial figure” to increase their own authority.