Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. Washington, which is engaged in high-level talks to forestall a possible invasion of Ukraine by the tens of thousands of Russian troops amassed near its borders, has dismissed Moscows demands as non-starters.. Romania has for several years been providing Ukraine with cybersecurity backing, intensified talks with Kiev on strengthening naval security cooperation in the Black Sea and given Ukraine what one former foreign affairs adviser called unconditional political support as it confronts a potential incursion by Russia. In a public statement, Romania's president Klaus Iohannis. Israel is a country well-versed in war. I said it back then and I have to repeat it: even the war in Ukraine hasnt made Romania more dangerous and chances of the war expanding here are close to zero, in my opinion. The two governments announced an agreement Feb. 8 for China to import Russian wheat and barley after Russian President Vladimir became the highest-profile foreign guest to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics. The country is part of NATO and any type of attack would force all the other NATO countries to retaliate. Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky on Monday thanked NATO country Romania for its significant contribution to the defense capabilities of Ukraine after the latter announced that it will send military equipment to assist Kyiv in the fight against Russia. Sitting between Russia's post-Soviet sphere and Western Europe, Poland is no stranger to great-power confrontation. After not hearing from my cousin, for a day, we got a message telling us that the Russian army was not far away and they were ready to fight till the end against the invasion. Danger for. How can students get to study at a top school? I, too, am an entrepreneur, and I am having a great time with this Journey. Romania pledged unconditional political support for Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion and has provided Ukraine with cybersecurity backing. Actually, Romania was ranked 31st in the Global Peace Index back in 2021 (source here), above big countries like Italy, the UK, South Korea or the US (which, by the way, is ranked among the LEAST safest countries in the world, at the 129th spot). Despite assurances from Romanias leadership, many in the Eastern European nation fear wider Russian attacks. However, according to Romanian media reports, no initiative has yet been taken to build camps for the Ukrainian asylum seekers. Romania, in the NATO must be prepared for anything at all times, and this is, eventually, the only condition, nowadays, for defence, to be always prepared for any type of possible conflict in our area explained the minister of defence. Late Wednesday, diplomatic convoys could be seen rushing across the capital in black Mercedes sedans. Russia-Ukraine war: 'no indication' of direct military threat to Romania International Travel Information Earlier, Wall Streets benchmark S&P 500 index fell 1.8% to an eight-month low after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked for military assistance. The minister of defence considers that by means of these discussions, Russia puts pressure in the negotiations they have with NATO. You should still practice normal precaution as everywhere in the world, but you can consider Romania safe. When I updated this article last year, the war in Ukraine had just started and people worried that Romania, due to its shared border with its neighbor, was in danger too. Nothing has ever happened and shes confident enough that nothing will. Perhaps no other eastern European country has embraced its role as a possible deterrent against a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine as enthusiastically as Romania, which joined Nato in 2004. Ronaldos last world cup match will be in Qatar | Fans are excited. Very glad to discover your website as considering moving out of the US for at least a decade following retirement. Updated: Jan. 21, 2022 The Russian Foreign Ministry. On Thursday, there were queues at the cash machines in my home town. Romania will not be drawn into the military conflict in Ukraine, said the Romanian leader. Russia's submarine strategyhow Putin plans to rule beneath the waves They offer cars with flexible policies and are trustworthy. The minister also stated that, in case of necessity, the law allows the intervention of the army to save the population: The moment there is an emergency situation, we are by law, we are authorised to do this, for rescue missions, to take part in matters of civilian protection in the country or where there are Romanians abroad who are in danger. Many people consider Romania and Eastern European countries in general as dangerous ones to visit. Romania can be considered a safe country to visit or to live in. Biden this week approved sending an additional 2,700 American troops to Eastern Europe 1,700 to Poland and 1,000 to Romania plus 300 to Germany. A U.S. official updated the Biden administration's estimate for how many Russian forces are now staged near Ukraine's borders to more than 130,000, up from the more than 100,000 the U.S. has cited publicly in previous weeks. The leaders in the west are being too slow in understanding the full horror of what is happening. In conclusion, we can say that Romania is a safe country to travel to or live in. What Putin is doing is unforgivable, but the EUs response to his actions is pretty surprising. Romania on Russia's list of "unfriendly countries" Spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters Thursday that the Ukraine issue is complex in its historical background what we are seeing today is the interplay of complex factors., Hua said China still hopes that the parties concerned will not shut the door to peace and engage instead in dialogue and consultation and prevent the situation from further escalating,, Although China has not endorsed Russian President Vladimir Putins declaration of independence for Ukraines separatist areas or his decision to send Russian forces there, Hua said China called on parties to respect others' legitimate security concerns.. Mihai, 22, student, Romania, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Its foreign ministry categorically denied the report. Driving Romanias anxiety is not only the security of Ukraine, with which it shares a 373-mile border, but the complicated potential role of Moldova in any conflict involving Russia and Nato. This blog is part of the Amazon Associates program, meaning that we will get a commission for products you purchase by following our links to Amazon.com. Moldova and Romania vow to boost ties amid war in Ukraine I am glad and grateful to be living in Romania. At the same time, we want sanctions imposed on the Russian side.. There is no Russian Federation - Romanian border. Many in Romania are also worried about Moldova, a nation of 2.6 million people which has strong historical and linguistic ties with Romania but is not a part of NATO. As I said, some Romanians might have some misconceptions and outdated thinking, but the vast majority will keep their opinion to themselves. Exercise normal precautions in Romania. A Rout for Russia's Tanks: A three-week fight near the town of Vuhledar in southern Ukraine produced the biggest tank battle of the war so far, and a stinging setback for the Russians. Were all quite stressed. Moldova and Romania pledged on Wednesday to boost economic ties following Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, and Bucharest reiterated support for Chisinau's bid to join the European Union. Biden is considering sending up to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, including Romania and Poland, a U.S. official told NPR. UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: The latest news related to the Ukraine crisis. I repeat, the statements above are only valid for the moment of writing this article make sure to double check, as they could always change over night. I am hopeful the West will respond to Russias aggression with unity, said Lzureanu. NATO will not allow Ukraine to join in the midst of its war with Russia. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called it the strongest, the harshest package ever considered. As a European Union member state, Romania is on the list that includes all those countries that imposed or joined the sanctions against Russia after the start of the military operation of the. PRAGUE Czech President Milos Zeman, who has been a leading pro-Russian voice among European Union leaders, has condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine as an unprovoked act of aggression., Zeman said in an address to the nation that Russia has committed a crime against peace.. Sophia Ankel. US: Over 130,000 Russian troops now staged outside Ukraine Ive been here for 37 years and never saw an armed man in Romania (except for police officers, of course). Before, we were scared to speak our minds because we were worried about being attacked, but weve realised that the Russian regime is not as powerful as it seemed. Romanians worry that any incursion into Ukraine could trigger instability and spillover in Moldova, a largely Romanian-speaking nation of 2.6 million over which it has clashed with Russia for centuries. Mr. Putin ostentatiously conduct rocket demonstrations, sudden military exercises at the borders of its neighbors, violates various airspaces and teritorial waters, threatens to shut down gas, etc, etc. Romania Travel Advisory - United States Department of State More of a Nato security presence here, means more security for Romania.. If there will be a nuclear attack, there will definitely be swift action. What is Russia's history with Moldova? | Fox News There are indeed acts of violence, robberies (if you can call a robbery when the neighbor jumps over the fence and steals your chickens) and other similar problems, but most of them take place in the very poor, rural areas that you will probably never get to visit anyway. Frances armed forces minister Florence Parly (left) is welcomed by Romanian president Klaus Iohannis (right) in Bucharest. Well talk about these at the end of the article. The entire boundary distance is 613.8 km including 292.2 km by rivers and 33 km by the Black Sea. There are now concerns in Moldova that the neighboring conflict could trigger an influx of refugees. In addition to withdrawing NATO forces from Bulgaria and Romania, Russia wants NATO to guarantee no new military bases in ex-Soviet countries and prevent new members, including Ukraine. Germany is ready to extend and expand its support of NATO's air policing mission in Romania and also to comply with further requests from the alliance, the German Defense Minister Christine . Very few people own guns in the country and most of those who do are hunters. In the leadup to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany and France also sent weapons, troops and aircraft to Romania, which has been staunch in its support of the transatlantic alliance and its condemnation of Moscows actions in Ukraine. When US President Joe Biden announced more sanctions against Russia on Thursday evening, he also committed to sending more troops to Romania, a strategic NATO partner in the region which hosts alliance bases and a key missile defence system. The best self-driven cars can be hired from discover cars. Following the Russian invasion last year, a massive influx of 8 million refugees crossed the border into Poland, though many eventually went on to Romania and Moldova while others returned home. "As such, we decide alone how to organise the defence of our country in coordination with our partners," he said. Both of my parents are in the military and Im quite scared of losing them. He stressed that Romania will not be drawn into the military conflict in Ukraine and said Romanian authorities will take absolutely all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the countrys citizens. I pray it will not spread, because being independent matters. The minister of defence considers that by means of these discussions, Russia puts pressure in the negotiations they have with NATO. This includes weapon usage or crimes related to firearms: the number of people who own guns is extremely small in Romania and actual gun violence close to zero. The two Ukrainian neighbors discussed economic, energy, and security issues amid Russia's war with Ukraine. With the humanitarian situation, I am proud that we are willing to take in refugees from Ukraine. All I do know is that I wouldnt believe anything Putin says. Personally, I have never driven a car in Bucharest and I dont think Ill ever have the guts to because of all the chaos. Its not more dangerous than any other civilized country out there and I would dare to say that its safer than countries like the US or any of those where gun violence and violent crimes happen constantly. Another peculiarity of Romania is that gun violence is exceptionally rare [3] due to Romania having some of the strictest gun laws in the world. Lzureanu created a Facebook group where people could share resources and verify information to help each other understand what was happening across the border. If the war will continue like this, there might be a possibility that other superpowers might Join the war which will create another world war. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to present the highest state awards in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. 'I'm afraid Russia will invade us next': alarm among Ukraine's Finally, drivers tend to be pretty chaotic and Bucharest is the melting pot of driving innovations where rules are mainly for guidance and chaos reigns supreme. We have family in Ukraine and are ready to welcome them to Lithuania or Brussels, where I am now living. If we were to leave we would have nothing and have to depend on others to help us. Earlier this week, Defence Minister Dincu said Romania was capable of taking in half a million refugees. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Romania still has a bit of a stray dogs problem, and that would probably be your biggest concern when visiting (at least regarding your safety). Why Are Romanians Frowned Upon in Europe? BUCHAREST, Romania Romanias defense ministry says that two F-16 aircraft from the Romanian military on a NATO air policing mission intercepted a Ukrainian Air Force plane that had entered Romanian airspace, and escorted it to an airbase in Bacau. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Some European nations have been criticised for their lack of support for Ukraine, but not Romania, which has its own security fears about any conflict with Russia, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, Romanian presidential honour guard soldiers march during a military ceremony held to mark Romanias Little Union Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Bucharest. The vaccination certificate is also not required to visit places or enter the country (double check this final claim of mine, just to be sure!). In Romania, U.S. Troops Train Close to Russia's War, in Signal to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan convened an emergency security meeting to discuss the Russian attack on Ukraine. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a46b5cee0c800fe9283aaade5eba4933" );document.getElementById("a4688e53af").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.