Putin accusedly points fingers at Romania, claiming Bucharest as the instigator of the conflict against Ukraine, prompting a response from the Romanian authorities.
Despite Putin's Allegations, The Romanian Government Maintains Its Stance
In a feisty rebuttal, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by spokesperson Andrei Țărnea, has hit back at Russian President Vladimir Putin's accusations, claiming Romania and Bulgaria were responsible for the tension leading to the war in Ukraine.
Source: "European Truth" - Digi24
In Response to the Allegations, Țărnea Stressed that Romania's decision to join NATO was a sovereign choice of the Romanian people and its allied countries. He dismissively stated that this move did not pose a threat to anyone's security.
Țărnea accused Putin of recycling the same old narratives, rehashed from previous conflicts, as a pretext for the ongoing, unprovoked war in Ukraine. He declared, "It is the Russian Federation, through its illegal and unjustified invasion, war crimes against civilians, and plans for disinformation and anti-European/anti-NATO propaganda, that poses a threat to regional security in Europe."
During a propaganda documentary titled "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years," broadcast on Russian state-owned channel "Rossiya-1," Putin resurfaced old rhetoric, expressing worries about the formation of "so-called advanced American bases" in Bulgaria and Romania. He allegedly questioned, "Against whom is this expansion taking place?"
The documentary furthermore highlighted Putin's recent statements, where he explained his earlier comments as a message aimed at his partners, expressing his hope that they would respond favorably to Russia's concerns but lamenting that they did not. He claimed this lack of responsiveness led to the devastating events unfolding in Ukraine today.
"Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years" - a 90-minute film by propagandist Pavel Zarubin - features a series of interviews recorded in spring 2025. The film showcases Putin's "achievements" during his time in power, including defending the annexation of Crimea, contemplating future leadership, and expressing vague nuclear threats.
Meanwhile, ultra-right party leader George Simion, proclaimed winner of the first round of the Romanian presidential election, has expressed opposition to the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Although the consequences of Simion's potential presidency on Romania's policy are unclear, his stance on Ukraine's defense could have favorable results for Russia, as it might decrease Western aid to Ukraine.
Notably, on May 4, the first round of presidential elections took place in Romania with Simion winning 40.94% and liberal Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan trailing behind with 20.99%. Simion was also banned from entering Ukraine on November 15, 2024, due to his persistent anti-Ukrainian activities.
It is worth noting that Romania has actively participated in efforts to ramp up European military production, driven by a desire to support Ukraine with weapons such as artillery shells. This collaboration has been part of a broader European initiative to arm Ukraine against Russian aggression. The future of these military aid supplies may be influenced by the outcome of Romania's presidential elections.
- In response to Putin's claims, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Andrei Țărnea, emphasized that Romania's decision to join NATO was a sovereign choice made by the Romanian people and its allied countries.
- During a 2025 documentary, Putin expressed concerns about the formation of advanced American bases in Bulgaria and Romania, questioning the motives behind this expansion.
- The Romanian ultra-right party leader, George Simion, who won the first round of the 2024 presidential election, has expressed opposition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, which might have favorable results for Russia due to potential decreased Western aid.
- Despite Putin's allegations, Romania has actively participated in European military production, aiming to support Ukraine with weapons like artillery shells, a contribution that could be influenced by the outcome of the 2025 Romanian presidential elections.
