Romanian president warns Russia threatens NATOs southeastern flank in Fox News op-ed

Romanian President Nicușor Dan published an op-ed in Fox News on Thursday, warning that Russia poses a growing threat to Euro-Atlantic security and emphasizing Romania’s readiness to expand its role within NATO and its strategic partnership with the United States.
In the article, titled “I am the president of one of America’s most trusted allies. Here’s how we’re facing Russia,” Dan stated that Russia’s provocations are not theoretical for Romania, which shares NATO’s southeastern flank and the longest border with Ukraine among alliance members. He noted that Romanian airspace has been violated by drones dozens of times in recent months and cited press reports suggesting U.S. intelligence believes Russia may test NATO resolve through limited actions against an ally. “Deterrence is tested first at the alliance’s perimeter,” Dan wrote, adding that Romania has learned this “from direct experience.”
Dan underscored Romania’s commitment to deepening defense cooperation with the U.S., highlighting investments in military infrastructure and American-made equipment. He revealed that Romania has allocated 2.5-3 billion euros for upgrades at the Mihail Kogălniceanu air base and is developing a military logistics network connecting air bases, ports, roads, and training ranges to enable rapid NATO and U.S. force deployment. The president also pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, stating, “Romania is not asking America for more. Romania is offering to do more.”
Earlier on Thursday, Paolo Zampolli, the U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships, called Dan during a press conference in Bucharest to convey President Donald Trump’s personal thanks for the “Romanian-American Friendship Park Donald Trump” project. Zampolli, speaking from the park’s construction site in Sector 4, said Trump had asked him to express gratitude to Dan and the Romanian people, calling the project “beautiful.” Dan, who was in Chisinau for Moldova’s 35th independence anniversary, responded that he looked forward to visiting the park upon his return and meeting Zampolli in New York in September during the U.N. General Assembly. The park, an extension of Tudor Arghezi Park, was initiated following discussions between Zampolli, U.S. Ambassador Darryl Nirenberg, and Sector 4 Mayor Daniel Băluță.
Separately, Vlad Ionescu, a presidential advisor for foreign affairs, told TVR Info that Romania has no intelligence indicating an imminent Russian attack on a NATO member but warned that Moscow continues to employ hybrid tactics, including disinformation, sabotage, and critical infrastructure attacks. Ionescu said Russia seeks to undermine Western solidarity and public trust in institutions, operating below the threshold that would trigger NATO’s collective defense mechanisms. He added that NATO’s defense plans have been updated and that the alliance is prepared to respond to any provocation. “NATO is ready to face any challenge addressed to it,” Ionescu stated.
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