President Klaus Iohannis, in the context of the drone debris that fell on the territory of our country, said that we should look at the events in a broader context and ask ourselves why Russia is attacking these small Ukrainian ports.

• “I had three situations when I found fragments of drones on Romanian territory. Fortunately, no one was hurt or damaged at this time, but that doesn’t mean these events don’t matter. We must look at these events in a larger context. Why is Russia attacking these small ports? By the way, Ukraine and I have a fairly long border along the Danube, so why is Russia attacking these small ports? The explanation, in my opinion, is that Russia wants to endanger the transit of Ukrainian grain. From the very beginning, Romania has allowed anyone to export grain, mostly to less developed countries, and exports enough,” Klaus Iohannis said during a debate at the World Leaders Forum on the topic “Romania’s view of the war against Ukraine and its impact on security”. Black Sea”, which took place on Thursday at Columbia University, New York, News.ro reports.

The President of Romania added that these Russian attacks on small Ukrainian ports can be qualified as “war crimes”.

• “My colleagues estimated that since the beginning of the war, since February of last year, Ukraine has explored more than 25 million tons of agricultural products, mainly grain. Most come through these small ports. So Russia is attacking these small ports to scare people to stop the transit of this grain. These attacks are war crimes because they are not attacking military units, they are attacking civilian infrastructure, people who are just working in these ports. But it is unacceptable that the territories of Romania are affected, and we protest against this. We have discussed with our allies and they have increased air security in our area. Of course, Russia is not directly attacking Romania, but if these fragments of drones reach the territory in Romania, then this is a real problem,” Iohannis added.

President Klaus Iohannis also said on Thursday that “by launching its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has directly and brutally challenged the post-Cold War world order.”

“Romania is a member state of the European Union and NATO with the longest border with Ukraine, as well as a country bordering the Black Sea, a war-torn territory. This is why I believe that our view of the impact of war on our strategic neighbors and around the world is relevant. By launching its invasion of Ukraine, Russia directly and brutally challenged the post-Cold War world order. The fundamental pillar of this order is the right – and at the same time the freedom – of every sovereign state to decide its policy, foreign or domestic, in accordance with democratic values, the rule of law and human rights,” Klaus said. Iohannis during the World Leaders Forum debate on “Romania’s view of the war against Ukraine and its impact on security in the Black Sea”, held on Thursday at Columbia University, New York.

The head of state added that “by invading Ukraine, Russia is trying to return revisionism to international relations, as well as spheres of influence in world and regional politics.”

• “He uses outdated concepts, such as the so-called right of ‘great powers’ to impose their foreign policy directives on what he calls ‘smaller’ powers. And at the same time, it attacks democratic values, the rule of law and the rules-based world order. Too many people sacrificed their lives in the 20th century fighting against those who promoted such concepts. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to oppose such actions,” added Iohannis.

The President of Romania also clarified that the Russian aggression did not start in February last year, but in 2008, when Russia attacked Georgia, and continued in 2014, when the so-called “green men” illegally occupied Crimea.