Romania’s globalist, Brussels-backed government has escalated its language of military confrontation, declaring itself ready to respond with force to security threats from the war in Ukraine—rhetoric that veteran journalist Ion Cristoiu warns is nothing less than an attempt to condition the Romanian public for a war with Russia, which the population never sought and does not want.
Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu announced that Bucharest already has “a set of measures prepared” after consulting the increasingly unpopular President Nicușor Dan, who is widely viewed by his lack of popular legitimacy.
She explicitly linked these preparations to drone incidents near Romania’s borders and in the Black Sea, stating: “We are prepared to respond both militarily and diplomatically in order to defend the safety of our citizens on our territory.”
In a country still reeling from political instability and exceedingly deep public distrust, this type of language from the highest levels of government seems to many as far more than routine defense talk. They signal a readiness to treat spillover from a neighboring war as grounds for direct military engagement with Russia.
The most-publicized incident occurred on Aug. 20 near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project. A commercial vessel reported a small maritime drone drifting several hundred meters from the platform.
Romania scrambled two F-16s; one fired its cannon, and naval specialists later destroyed the craft, confirming it carried explosives. Several hundred workers were on the platform.
Defense Minister Radu Miruță framed the action as necessary to protect lives and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities told Romania the drone was not theirs. Romanian officials promptly pointed toward Russia, despite Țoiu herself admitting there was no evidence Moscow had deliberately directed the craft at Neptun Deep.
Hellbound and Down 