Băsescu: Romania must negotiate with Ukraine over drone risks; criticizes army purchases and government delay

Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu has voiced concerns over the military's handling of drones entering national airspace and the broader implications of regional conflicts. While acknowledging the army's action in downing two drones in Buzău and Tulcea counties, Băsescu highlighted the significant costs associated with such operations. He questioned the practicality of using expensive missiles against drones, posing hypothetical scenarios of drones falling on schools or refineries.

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I was looking at the enthusiasm for shooting down the two drones. The signal is good, but the price is questionable. Of course, you can't practice shooting down a drone with a missile. But what if a drone falls on a school or a refinery?

Băsescu also called for a strategic reassessment of the Romanian army's procurement plans in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He suggested that purchasing heavy equipment like German or American tanks might be ill-advised, given their vulnerability to drone attacks. "Why buy a German or American tank when a drone can destroy it?" he asked, advocating for adjustments to orders within the SAFE framework.

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Why buy a German or American tank when a drone can destroy it?

Addressing regional energy infrastructure security, Băsescu stressed the need for direct negotiations with Ukraine. He urged Kyiv to be more cautious with drone operations that could impact Romanian interests, particularly concerning fuel supplies and potential price hikes. The former president also sharply criticized the political deadlock in Bucharest, which has delayed the formation of a new government. He emphasized that Romania cannot afford to operate with an interim executive for an extended period, urging for a swift resolution and suggesting President Klaus Iohannis select a prime minister from the candidates proposed by the main parties, such as Siegfried Mureșan (PNL) or Sorin Grindeanu (PSD).

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We must negotiate with the Ukrainians to be very careful, not to play with drones when it comes to Romanian interests.