MAE's Firm Reaction After Diana Șoșoacă's Appearance in St. Petersburg: 'No EU Country Participated in the Forum of Russia's Supporters'

Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) firmly stated that no European country participated in the forum of Russian supporters held in St. Petersburg. The ministry's spokesperson, Adrian Țărnea, emphasized that the European Union and its member states uphold values incompatible with economic oligarchy, state capture, or regimes engaged in illegal wars of aggression against sovereign neighbors.

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No European country participated in the festival of Russia's supporters in St. Petersburg. The EU and member states represent values incompatible with economic oligarchy and state capture or with regimes that wage illegal wars of conquest against sovereign neighbors.

This declaration came in response to the participation of Romanian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Diana Șoșoacă at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event often referred to as Russia's Davos and held under the patronage of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Șoșoacă, leader of the S.O.S. România party, delivered a direct address to Putin during the forum. She claimed the Romanian people do not hate him and that Romania desires peace with Russia, asserting that the country is "led from Brussels."

During her speech, Șoșoacă stated Romania's unwillingness to support Ukraine with funds or weapons. She expressed admiration for the "strength of the Russian Federation" and the "entire Russian people." She also voiced hope that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would not hold her position in the future. A notable moment occurred when Șoșoacă claimed Romania "has no president," a remark that reportedly amused Putin.

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the Romanian people do not hate Vladimir Putin and that Romania wants peace with Russia

Putin thanked Șoșoacă for her intervention but avoided commenting on Romania's internal politics, stating a policy of non-interference. He also conveyed a religious message, highlighting the shared Orthodox faith between Russia and Romania and sending greetings to all Orthodox Christians in Romania. The forum also saw participation from other Eastern European figures, including former Moldovan President Igor Dodon and businessman Ilan Șor, who faces international sanctions.

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admires the strength of the Russian Federation and the entire Russian people