Romania’s Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu has downplayed the impact of Washington’s decision to scale back its troop presence in the country, saying it “does not affect NATO’s deterrence capacity” on the eastern flank.
Speaking exclusively to TVP World, Țoiu said the withdrawal of around 700 US soldiers was a “pre-planned” move under America’s broader posture review and not a reflection of strained ties.
“The decision did not target Romania,” she said, adding that Bucharest and Washington had planned to announce it simultaneously before it leaked. “We don’t celebrate it, but we respect it.”
Țoiu said that NATO’s deterrence remains strong, citing increased European defense capabilities and US assurances under Article Five. She also highlighted ongoing cooperation on Black Sea security, energy and defense industry investment ahead of the NATO Industry Forum in Bucharest next month.
On Russia’s war in Ukraine, the minister reaffirmed Romania’s support for sanctions and revealed that Bucharest is tightening penalties for sanction violations. “We must not be naive,” she said, warning that defending democracy requires education, transparency and resilience.
Țoiu concluded that Romania, Poland and their allies “must grow stronger together,” insisting that President Vladimir Putin’s attempts “will fail.”