Volodymyr SolovianThe New Geopolitics Research Network brings to your attention an interview with Eduard Simion Brigadier General (ret.) and Senior Associate Expert of New Strategy Center (Romania)
Today, in the days of bloody battles on the Donbass front, the naval component of Russian aggression against Ukraine falls out of focus. Undoubtedly, the sinking of the Moscow cruiser and the battle for the Snake Island will remain among the most memorable episodes of this war. However, at the early stage of the war, the Kremlin made a big bet on its Black Sea Fleet. Russia’s goal was to deprive Ukraine from the Black Sea, through which more than half of Ukraine’s export took place before the war, and establish the corridor to Transnistria, Region of Moldova occupied by Russia since 1992.
Moscow’s actions have once again highlighted NATO’s vulnerability in the Black Sea region. Considering this, the position of Romania, which is the Alliance’s frontier on the Black Sea coast, is of particular importance for ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. The war had already stimulated the Romanian leadership to intensify defense procurement programs.
I talked about the main priorities of ensuring Romania’s security with Eduard Simion, retired Brigadier General and Senior Associate Expert of New Strategy Center.
– How did Romania’s security and defense policy change after February 24, 2022?
– To what extent the capture of Snake Island by the Russians was unexpected for the Romanian Navy?
– Has the viewpoint on the rearmament of the Romanian Armed Forces changed?
– How do you assess the idea of boosting rapprochement between Romania and Ukraine in the defense sphere being allies in the Black Sea?
– Will Romania support Moldova’s decision to become a member of NATO?