The Chief of the General Staff of Defense, General Gheorghiță Vlad, discussed the risks of a Russian attack on Romania and the strategic vulnerabilities, such as the Focșani Gate.

In an interview, General Gheorghiță Vlad stated that, although the likelihood of a direct attack by Russia on a NATO state is low, the military must be prepared for any scenario. He highlighted the Firemen's Gate as a strategic vulnerability and emphasized the importance of preparing the population and the national industry for defense. The general assured that NATO is determined to defend allied territory and mentioned the necessity of coordination in the face of hybrid threats.