Nicușor Dan denounces Russia’s attempts to destabilize Romania and the eastern flank following the incidents in the Black Sea

President Nicușor Dan stated Thursday, in Brussels, that the recent incidents in the Black Sea represent Russia’s attempts to destabilize societies and reduce support for Ukraine.

Nicușor Dan met, alongside the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the discussions, the allies’ solidarity regarding the situation in the Black Sea was emphasized, and the President of Romania announced that the events in the region would be analyzed in a dedicated session of the North Atlantic Council.

The head of state compared the attacks currently being reported with the incidents from a year ago, when vessels on the Danube were targeted, and said that he had told the allies that Romania needs equipment.

“Equipment is needed for a new type of challenge. You remember, we likewise appealed to the allies, some military equipment was provided, and the situation stabilized. We are in the same situation on the eastern side of the Black Sea, and obviously these are attempts by Russia, not only in Romania but also in Bulgaria, European countries, especially those on the Eastern Flank, to destabilize societies, reduce support for Ukraine, and our response is: we continue to support Ukraine, because it is a matter of international law and because it concerns Romania’s security,” President Nicușor Dan stated.

Meanwhile, the Romanian authorities have intervened in several maritime incidents. On Wednesday evening, a vessel flying the flag of the Comoros Islands, located near Sulina, reported a fire on board. According to the leader of the Free Seafarers’ Trade Union, the vessel may have been targeted in attacks in the Sulina roadstead.

On Thursday morning, the Romanian Naval Authority launched a search-and-rescue operation approximately 13 nautical miles southeast of Sulina, after the vessel Wine Trader, flying the flag of San Marino, issued an alert about a fire. Eight people are reported missing.

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