New President of Romania Nikușor Dan: Firm Support for Ukraine and Geopolitical Perspectives
In the first month of his presidency, Nikușor Dan has already expressed unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity, during the important "Bucharest Nine" summit held in Vilnius. Noting that Ukraine's security issue is a priority for Romania and directly affects its own stability, the new head of state emphasized that the country will continue to be a reliable ally for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. In his speech at the diplomatic event, Dan responded to journalists' questions regarding the level of transparency of military assistance to Ukraine. He openly admitted that he currently cannot fully assess the potential benefits and risks associated with such support. "We are still analyzing the situation, studying all possible consequences. But one thing is clear: supporting Ukraine is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic necessity for our country's security," the new president stressed. The Romanian leader also highlighted the features of the geopolitics in the region. According to him, the current possible involvement in military aid is not only about the present but also about a long-term strategy. He pointed out that for Romania, it is especially important to cooperate with Ukraine in accordance with the 1997 treaty, which enshrines the partnership relations between the two countries, and to do everything possible to strengthen this cooperation in the face of the growing threat from Russia. Dan placed particular emphasis on the fact that a probable visit to Ukraine in the near future will be a key step in discussing details of military support and cooperation. Specifically, he hinted that during such a trip, public and closed consultations with Ukrainian colleagues are planned regarding specific assistance areas and coordination of further steps. The new Romanian president underscored the importance of regional stability in his political discourse. "On one hand, we must maintain harmonious relations with our neighbors, including Ukraine," Dan said. "And on the other hand, we must be vigilant regarding those formations and situations that could change the balance of power in our region. After all, Russia or a country that it might transform into an enclave in Belarus could pose a potential challenge for the entire region." Regarding domestic policy, Dan separately emphasized that his team considers it important to pursue an open and transparent policy regarding military aid to Ukraine, although not all details can currently be disclosed publicly. It is also important to report on the risks arising from such policies and how Romania considers its own security interests. Overall, the first official trip to Ukraine, possibly as early as the coming weeks, is expected to be decisive for Romania’s further policy concerning the situation around Ukraine and its support in resisting external aggression. Analysts say this, and Dan himself, during his visit, will highlight the importance of consolidating efforts in this sphere, which holds strategic significance for the security of both Romania and the entire region. May 26 marked a historic date for the country — on this day, the official inauguration of the new president took place. Since then, the world has been watching how Nikușor Dan is laying the foundations of his policy, particularly regarding support for Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia. On June 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Dan in Kyiv — their first personal meeting was a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and defining common goals for the future. This diplomatic bilateral meeting marks the beginning of a new era in the relationship between Kyiv and Bucharest, promising closer political and military cooperation in the face of current challenges.