Romania Urges Citizens to Prepare for Possible Conflict with Russia

Romania has issued a stark warning to its citizens to “prepare for war” amid escalating tensions with Russia. In a statement reflecting the country’s growing concerns, the chief of the Romanian Army, Vlad Gheorghiță, emphasized the need to recruit young people into the armed forces to bolster national defense. This shift comes as NATO member states express unease regarding threats to the Eastern flank of the alliance.

The Romanian Army is adopting preparation strategies similar to those of Poland. General Gheorghiță noted the importance of citizen involvement in supporting the war effort, stating that many individuals will undergo training to enhance their readiness.

In an interview with Digig24, Radu Miruță, Romania’s Defence Minister, cautioned that while the risk of drone attacks cannot be entirely eliminated, the probability remains low. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen military presence in the Dobrogea region, which borders Ukraine. “We are relocating existing assets to areas where strategic analysis indicates an increasing risk,” he explained.

The Minister detailed the steps being taken to protect populated areas from potential drone strikes, which could result in catastrophic consequences. “Positioning firing units in locations that can safeguard Romania’s inhabited zones is essential. The risk of a drone breaching defenses and detonating in residential areas is a concern,” he added.

Miruță further elaborated on the challenges posed by certain drones that evade radar detection due to their construction. “Some drones, made from foam or cardboard, do not reflect radar waves, making them difficult to detect,” he said. He acknowledged that such technology is not unique to Romania and that similar challenges exist globally.

In an important policy shift, General Gheorghiță announced that starting this year, new laws regarding the preparation of the population for wartime scenarios would be implemented. The plan includes training approximately 1,000 soldiers this year, with future training sessions expected to accommodate between 2,000 and 10,000 soldiers annually. This initiative aims not only to prepare citizens for military engagement but also for various crises, such as natural disasters.

The General also emphasized the need for Romania to take responsibility for the defense of its critical infrastructure in the Black Sea, acknowledging NATO’s limitations regarding Article 5, which pertains to collective defense. “Legally, Article 5 cannot be activated for defending the exclusive economic zone,” he stated. “However, that does not mean we will not defend our territory. We will have allies if necessary.”

He reiterated the importance of safeguarding national resources, including offshore platforms and submarine cables, describing this as a crucial mission for the Ministry of National Defence. “Investing in the Romanian naval forces is essential, and protecting critical infrastructure is a priority for the Ministry of Interior, with the defense ministry providing necessary support.”

As Romania prepares for potential challenges ahead, the government’s focus on military readiness underscores its commitment to national security and the safety of its citizens.