Romania Urges Citizens to Prepare for Potential Conflict with Russia

Romania has issued a stark warning to its citizens, urging them to “prepare for war” amid escalating tensions with Russia. The chief of the Romanian Army, Vlad Gheorghiță, announced plans to involve young people in military training efforts as the country adapts to the growing threats on NATO’s Eastern flank.

In a statement to Digig24, Radu Miruță, the Romanian Defence Minister, cautioned that while the risk of a drone attack remains relatively low, it is not negligible. “No country can reduce the risk of a drone attack to zero,” he remarked, highlighting the potential for Russian drones to penetrate Romanian airspace. He emphasized that the military is enhancing its presence in the Dobrogea region, which borders Ukraine, by relocating personnel and equipment to areas deemed strategically important.

The Defence Minister outlined the proactive measures being taken to safeguard populated areas. “We are positioning firing units in locations that can protect Romania’s inhabited zones,” he stated. He acknowledged the possibility of drones evading detection, particularly those constructed from materials that absorb radar waves, rendering them less visible.

In response to the mounting pressures, General Gheorghiță revealed changes to national defense legislation aimed at bolstering public readiness for conflict. Starting in 2023, the Romanian military plans to recruit young volunteers for training. “We intend to bring young people to the Ministry of National Defence for training,” he said, noting that this year alone aims to train approximately 1,000 soldiers with the capacity for future training series to accommodate between 2,000 and 10,000 soldiers annually.

The Romanian Army’s initiatives are not solely focused on military readiness. General Gheorghiță highlighted the importance of preparing the population for various crises, including natural disasters. “We need to have a population prepared to support a war effort,” he remarked, indicating collaborative training programs with the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations.

While Romania is taking significant steps to fortify its defenses, the General acknowledged the limitations of NATO’s Article 5 regarding the defense of the Black Sea region. “Legally, Article 5 cannot be activated to defend the exclusive economic zone,” he explained, emphasizing that the responsibility to protect national infrastructure lies with Romania. He reaffirmed that the country will seek alliances if necessary.

As Romania navigates this precarious situation, the emphasis on preparedness reflects a broader concern among NATO members about the potential for conflict in Eastern Europe. The call for citizen involvement in military training underscores the urgency of the current geopolitical climate, as Romania positions itself as a frontline state against potential aggression.