Nicușor Dan, interview for a radio station in the USA: “We are affected by the war in Ukraine” / The head of state says that Romania wants more American military personnel on the country’s territory

President Nicușor Dan said on Tuesday, in an interview with the American broadcaster SiriusXM, that Romania wants a more substantial American military presence on its territory and will continue to support Ukraine in the war launched by Russia. The statements were made during his visit to the United States, where he is attending the UN General Assembly.

The head of state said that security is Romania’s main concern, followed by the economy. He cited the military cooperation between Bucharest and Washington, as well as the use of Romanian bases by American aircraft for refueling and defensive equipment. Nicușor Dan argued that the presence of American troops would benefit both countries, taking into account Romania’s position near the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea.

The president stated that Donald Trump was right to call for a greater contribution from European states to NATO’s defense and recalled that Romania is among the countries that have increased their military spending.

Nicușor Dan emphasized that Romania is directly affected by the war in Ukraine, through drones that have reached national territory, naval drones, and mines in the Black Sea. He reaffirmed support for Kyiv and mentioned that Romanian pilots have shot down Russian drones, including in Estonia.

“We are affected by the war in Ukraine, by the drones that crash on our territory—we have two people who were injured—by the naval drones that lose control in the Black Sea, and by the naval mines. But this does not change our support for Ukraine,” the president said.