Romanian Defense Minister in Chișinău: We cannot discuss strong eastern flank without including Moldova

Romania’s interim Minister of Defense Radu Miruță said in Chișinău that the Republic of Moldova must be included in discussions on strengthening security on the eastern flank, amid the war launched by Russia against Ukraine. The Romanian official made the statement at the Chișinău Security Forum.

He emphasized that Romania is in the immediate vicinity of the war in Ukraine and shares 649.5 kilometers of border with that country.


“I would invite those who say that the war does not exist to come to southeastern Romania, where, in just three days, my colleagues managed to collect the remains of 18 Russian drones,” the Romanian official said.


Radu Miruță said that the war has two dimensions: one military and one related to disinformation. According to the minister, authorities must explain to the public the need for investments in defense, given that such expenditures are more difficult to understand than investments in healthcare or infrastructure.


“Those working in the Ministry of Defense must explain to the public why we are investing so much in defense instead of investing in hospitals or highways,” he said.


The Minister of Defense also spoke about the need to strengthen Romania’s military capabilities and about cooperation with countries on the eastern flank and with the other NATO members.

Radu Miruță said that recently a drone approached Romanian infrastructure in the Black Sea region. According to him, the aircraft was in an economic zone, approximately 160 kilometers from the coastline, and Romania sent two fighter jets, which were ordered to strike.

The Romanian official emphasized that Romania is defending its economic interests and cooperating not only with the countries on the eastern flank, but with all NATO member states.


“We cannot discuss defense against what Russia is doing in Ukraine without using the word cooperation. Strong cooperation and a strong political commitment are needed because, ultimately, the language of force is the one used by Russia,” Radu Miruță concluded.


The third edition of the Moldova Security Forum is taking place today and tomorrow in Chișinău. The event brings together more than 700 participants and approximately 90 experts from 20 countries to discuss the security of the Republic of Moldova, Europe, and the Black Sea region.

The meeting is organized by more than 20 organizations and institutions and is the largest security event held with the support of civil society, public institutions, the business community, and development partners. The forum brings together officials, diplomats, experts, representatives of civil society, academia, companies and media.

The theme of this edition is Strengthening Democratic Resilience and Security through Strategic Vision and Multilateral Cooperation.