Ukraine should reduce defense risks arising from political turbulence in Romania, expert says

Speaking to Ukrinform, Zentsev said Romania holds strategic importance for Ukraine in several key areas.

First, logistics: since 2022, Romania has become one of the main routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports. Significant volumes of grain and other goods are transported through the port infrastructure of Constanța and along Danube routes. During peak periods, exports through these channels have amounted to millions of tons per month, although their share varies depending on the operation of other transport corridors.

Second, security: Romania is a key state on NATO’s eastern flank and plays an important role in maintaining regional security in the Black Sea region. The European F-16 Training Center established at the Fetești Air Base trains pilots from several countries, including Ukrainian aviators.

Third, European integration: as a member of the European Union, Romania participates in decision-making within EU institutions. While EU enlargement decisions require unanimous approval from all member states, financial and political support mechanisms for Ukraine may be adopted under different voting procedures depending on the specific instrument involved.

"Given the current political turbulence in Romania, it is important for Ukraine to diversify transport routes and reduce dependence on individual transit corridors. This can be achieved, among other things, by developing the Danube ports of Izmail and Reni, modernizing the Basarabeasca–Berezne railway line through Moldova, and effectively utilizing European logistics support mechanisms such as the EU's Solidarity Lanes initiatives," Zentsev said.

He also stressed the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in Romania at various political and institutional levels to preserve stable support for Ukraine and strengthen regional security.

According to Zentsev, if ultra-right political forces in Romania were to threaten the continuation of security assistance to Ukraine, Kyiv should refer to the 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement signed on July 11, 2024.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, on May 5 the Romanian parliament voted to dismiss the pro-European government led by Ilie Bolojan.

On June 14, Romanian President Nicușor Dan nominated Adrian Veștea, head of Brașov County Council and vice president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), for the position of prime minister after his adviser and Member of the European Parliament, Eugen Tomac, declined the mandate to form a government.

Photo: AI-generated image