June 16, 2026

Political turbulence in Romania could affect the stability of assistance to Ukraine, making it important for Kyiv to take steps to reduce risks to its own defense capabilities.

This view was expressed by international security expert and retired Major General Mykola Zentsev in comments to Ukrinform.

According to him, Romania’s strategic importance for Ukraine is significant in several respects.

First, logistics. Since 2022, Romania has become one of the key routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports. Significant volumes of grain and other products are transported through the port infrastructure of Constanța and along the Danube. During peak periods, this route has handled millions of tonnes of exports per month, although its share varies depending on the operation of other transport corridors.

Second, security. Romania is an important state on NATO’s eastern flank and plays a significant role in regional security in the Black Sea region. The European F-16 Training Center at Fetești Air Base provides training for pilots, including Ukrainian personnel.

Third, European integration. As an EU member state, Romania participates in shaping decisions within European institutions. Decisions on EU enlargement are adopted unanimously, while other financial and political support mechanisms for Ukraine may be subject to different voting procedures depending on the specific mechanism involved.

“Given the current political turbulence in Romania, it is important for Ukraine to diversify its transport routes and reduce its dependence on individual transit corridors. This can be achieved, among other things, by developing the Danube ports of Izmail and Reni, modernizing the Basarabeasca–Berezine railway line through Moldova, and making effective use of European logistics-support mechanisms, such as EU initiatives to develop the ‘Solidarity Lanes,’” Zentsev said.

He also emphasized the importance of systematic diplomatic engagement in Romania at various political and institutional levels in order to preserve stable support for Ukraine and strengthen regional security.

According to Zentsev, in this context, if Romania’s far-right political forces pose a threat to the continuation of security support for Ukraine, Kyiv should invoke the 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement signed on July 11, 2024.

International security expert, retired Major General Mykola Zentsev

Ukraine should reduce risks to its defense capabilities amid political turbulence in Romania