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Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said that offering military bases to NATO allies could be his country’s contribution to efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, Agerpres reports.
When asked about the government’s position regarding European leaders’ calls for the U.S. to deploy F-35 fighter jets to Romania as part of Ukraine’s security guarantees, Bolojan emphasized that Romania has remained firm “on at least two points” since the discussion began.
First, he stressed that Romania will not send troops to Ukraine.
Second, given Romania’s NATO membership, its military bases – already jointly operated with NATO forces, primarily air forces – should be available for use by NATO troops, U.S. forces, and other allies.
“Even today, our airports host air patrols, provide aerial monitoring over the Black Sea, and conduct joint military exercises. This, so to speak, could be Romania’s contribution to ensuring lasting peace in Ukraine – making our military bases available to NATO allies,” Bolojan stated.
Media earlier reported that the U.S. plans to play only a minimal role in any future security guarantees for Ukraine. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also declared that European countries must assume the primary financial commitments under a future security arrangement.
On the morning of August 20, the NATO North Atlantic Council convened at the ambassadorial level to discuss the results of talks in Washington and preparations for security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting was followed later that day by a roundtable with NATO chiefs of defense.
Read also: UN Secretary-General Condemns Massive Russian Strikes on Ukraine, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
