The Romanian President's advisor on defense and national security and head of the presidential administration, Cristian Diaconescu, told Digi 24 television that Romania is part of the so-called “coalition of the willing“ for Ukraine, but the goal of the coalition is much more complex and does not only concern the possible sending of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.
“Romania is present in this coalition of the willing, but it is much more complex than the deployment of soldiers, the possible deployment of troops in Ukraine. No, we will not send military forces. However, our contribution as a regional hub will be extremely important, given the obvious security issues affecting Ukraine, which will continue to be supported by this coalition of the willing, including countries from New Zealand, Australia to Iceland, as well as member states of the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance. So the geographical perspective of the international community's support for Ukraine is clear, but, I repeat, there will also be an effective, concrete contribution“, said Cristian Diaconescu, quoted by Digi 24.
He pointed out that Romania has participated in all meetings of this coalition at the highest level.
“A number of elements will be established that are part of the package of security guarantees for Ukraine“, said Cristian Diaconescu, but reiterated that Romania will not send soldiers to the neighboring country.
Against the backdrop of the upcoming presidential elections in Romania, Cristian Diaconescu assured that Romania will continue to support Ukraine, regardless of who is elected president.
“No matter who is elected president, the commitment to the security and stability of the eastern flank on the one hand, and of Ukraine on the other, will be clear responsibilities, but our contribution is not in troops, but in other elements. There is a well-established practice from previous years, support for Ukraine was effective and we will continue it. One thing should not be forgotten, in principle we are talking about increasing the military capabilities of European countries, about regional cooperation in this regard and about supporting Ukraine“, the presidential advisor pointed out.
Romania, which is a member of the EU and NATO, has the longest common land border with Ukraine.
On Saturday, Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan said after a video conference meeting convened by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Romania will continue its support for Ukraine and support efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace.