Russia is a growing threat that America and Europe cannot afford to ignore. Romanian airspace has been violated by drones dozens of times in recent months. According to press reports, American intelligence believes Russia may test NATO’s resolve with a limited move against an allied country.
For Romania, none of this is abstract. We sit on NATO’s southeastern flank, on the Black Sea, and we share the longest border with Ukraine of any ally. We have watched this from its edge for years, with drones crossing into our airspace and debris falling on our territory. We have learned by direct experience that deterrence is tested first at the perimeter of the alliance.
The partnership between Romania and the United States was built for moments like this. Its strength rests on two things: geography and reliability. Geography we did not choose. Reliability we have earned. When Operation Epic Fury required access and support, Romania was among the first allies to answer. Quickly and publicly. That is what a trusted partner does.
That is why I recently sent our national security advisor and our chief of defense to convey Romania’s commitment to Black Sea security, to NATO burden-sharing and burden-shifting, and to deeper strategic partnership with the United States. I asked them to keep that conversation going, in Washington and at NATO headquarters, to answer whatever questions our American allies may have. And to make clear that Romania is prepared to raise both the level of its commitments and the speed at which it delivers them.
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