Romania and its allies will not remain passive witnesses to the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine and will do everything possible to achieve a just and lasting peace, said Alexandru Victor Micula, Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, during a reception in Kyiv on the occasion of Romanian Army Day.
“We are in Ukraine and we think of those who are fighting right now for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, who stand as a shield in defense of democratic societies against bloodthirsty Moscow autocrats. We are grateful to them for their daily sacrifice,” the diplomat emphasized.
According to him, Romania and its partners “have a duty to these heroes and their families to do everything possible to establish a just peace for Ukraine — a peace that cannot be a reward for the aggressor and must ensure justice for the victims of this illegal and unjustified aggression.”
Micu expressed his deep gratitude to Ukrainian servicemen and their families, especially those of Romanian origin, who live in daily anxiety for their loved ones.
“Many families already know that their heroes will not return home. Among them are the families of Ukrainians and Romanians who gave their lives defending Ukraine. But even those who are waiting for news about the missing do not lose hope. This is a true manifestation of courage and strength of spirit,” the ambassador said.
During the event, Romania’s naval and air attaché to Ukraine, Colonel Cristi Ladaniuc, emphasized that Romanian Army Day is not only a tribute to national heroes, but also a symbol of Romania’s unwavering commitment to peace and security in the region.
“From the first day of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine, Romania has played an important role in supporting Kyiv in all areas of assistance,” Colonel Ladaniuc said.
He stressed that Romania is actively involved in training Ukrainian military personnel under the EUMAM and INTERFLEX programs and that Bucharest “will continue to coordinate with Ukrainian partners to identify new training opportunities in line with needs.”
The attaché also drew attention to the creation of the European F-16 Training Center in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots are already participating in flight programs. “This project demonstrates what we can achieve together — through partnership, strategic decisions, and joint efforts toward our common goals,” he emphasized.
Romania, he said, will also continue to participate in the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, providing maritime security training (MRTH) on its territory and facilitating the training of Ukrainian marines within existing programs.
At the same time, he stressed that Romania, in accordance with a political decision at the highest level, is ready to provide logistical support to future peacekeeping forces, but will not consider the possibility of deploying its military on Ukrainian territory (“no boots on the ground”).
Ukraine and Romania established diplomatic relations on February 1, 1992.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Romania opened in Bucharest in 1992, and the Romanian Embassy in Ukraine opened in Kyiv in 1993.
Both countries are members of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and actively cooperate in the fields of defense, energy, border management, and support for Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression.
