Romanian President's Ukraine War Remarks Spark Controversy, Accused of Aiding Russian Propaganda

Statements made by Romanian President Nicușor Dan in a BBC interview, urging Russia to avoid causing casualties in Romania during attacks on Ukraine, have ignited significant criticism. Political scientist Marius Ghincea asserts that the president's message reached regional publications and was subsequently exploited by Kremlin propaganda.

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In the last two years, we have had perhaps 20 or 30 incidents with drones. Initially, the drones were not loaded with explosives. But a month ago, we had another incident with a drone loaded with explosives, which fortunately did not detonate.

During the BBC interview, Dan addressed repeated incidents involving Russian drones near Romania's border, noting the escalating threat. "In the last two years, we have had perhaps 20 or 30 incidents with drones. Initially, the drones were not loaded with explosives. But a month ago, we had another incident with a drone loaded with explosives, which fortunately did not detonate," Dan stated, according to Pravda.

Based on these incidents, the president suggested that attacks launched near the Romanian border should not have consequences for Romania's population. "It has become dangerous for Romanian citizens. And when the Russians strike and target cities on the other side of the Danube, they must ensure they do not harm Romanian citizens," Dan said, warning that Romania might take diplomatic measures, including expelling the Russian ambassador, if this were to happen.

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It has become dangerous for Romanian citizens. And when the Russians strike and target cities on the other side of the Danube, they must ensure they do not harm Romanian citizens.

The Ukrainian publication interpreted these statements as a request for Moscow to continue attacks on Ukraine, provided they did not affect Romanian territory. Ukrainian journalists noted that Dan did not emphasize the illegality of the Russian aggression or the need to cease bombardments in the interview. However, the same publication recalled that in a phone call on May 29 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Dan stated, "Russia must cease its attacks on Ukraine." The interview drew furious comments from several Romanian commentators, who described the statement as "devoid of humanity."

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Russia must cease its attacks on Ukraine.