Romania denounces increased Russia's hybrid war against Europe

O President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, today accused the Russian Government of intensifying the hybrid war and hostilities against European democracies after episodes of sabotage in his country, including that recorded in a Romanian arms company.

Nicusor Dan said that these “unacceptable” incidents “represent a serious violation of the country’s sovereignty and security” and stressed that “no foreign entity has the right to act like this” in any European state.

“ For years, Russia has used a diverse arsenal of means to weaken European democracies. Attempts to influence electoral processes, misinformation campaigns, the information war, cyber attacks and acts of sabotage are all part of Russia’s hybrid war,” he said.

The Head of State pointed out that in recent weeks, Russia has increased its stake by causing several incidents in the Black Sea against civil maritime transport.

“ All these are not isolated incidents, without any connection between them, but they are part of a premeditated and coordinated campaign ", highlighted.

For the President of the Romanian Republic, the Kremlin intends with this type of action to cause division and confusion in European societies, with the aim of questioning their commitment to their own security and common defence.

Dan ensured that “hybrid war has been waged for years in different ways” and added that an increase in it requires an equivalent response from European states, increasing surveillance and risk prevention.

In this regard, the PR stressed that Romania will act “with determination” to prevent this type of action and identify its leaders, while continuing to work closely with its NATO and EU partners.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania today called upon Russian ambassador to Bucharest, Vladimir Lipayev, to convey to him the “energy” protest of the Government of his country for the alleged sabotage of the Romanian defense company Carfil in Brașov in mid-September.

“ The evidence demonstrates Russia’s responsibility for this unacceptable hybrid attack,” said Foreign Minister Dan Neculaescu, who also protested with the Russian diplomat against the increase in attacks on the Black Sea.

The Romanian authorities reported that on September 14 there was a fire at the premises of this company, responsible for the manufacture of drones, for indications of Russian intelligence services.