Ukraine and Romania are working these weeks to expand cross-border energy cooperation and are constructing two new power transmission lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this following his meeting with President Nicușor Dan.
The Head of State thanked Romania, and Nicușor Dan personally, for their principled support of Ukraine during Russian aggression. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia invests heavily in destabilizing European countries and undermining the normal foundations of life.
“The worst form of Russian policy today is directed against Ukraine – on our land, in our skies: Russian missiles, Russian assaults. We wish no one else to face this, and we are grateful for your support in defending our independence and protecting our people,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that, following the outbreak of the new war in the Middle East, partners must pay particular attention to joint action for their defense. The United States of America, along with more than 10 countries in Europe and the Middle East, has already reached out to Ukraine, requesting support for their defensive capabilities.
“Today, we have a joint statement on the development of these very defense capabilities. There is a document on defense cooperation, and this is the right step toward strengthening our states. It is important that Romania is ready to cooperate with Ukraine within the framework of the pan-European SAFE instrument,” the President noted.
The leaders discussed economic and infrastructure collaboration in detail, particularly the expansion of cross-border energy partnerships and the joint construction of two new power lines.
“Work has begun, and this is something that will support our regions, particularly the Chernivtsi region, and will also enable Romania to become stronger in terms of ensuring energy security in our part of Europe. This is clearly mutually beneficial for both our countries,” the President said.
“Today is a moment when our two countries can trust each other in what they will do going forward and commit to acting together for this part of Europe, for the citizens, and for the entire region,” emphasized Nicușor Dan.
The meeting also addressed new joint projects in resource extraction on the Black Sea shelf, initiatives in the oil and gas sector, and the potential for transporting American LNG to Ukraine via Romania. The Head of State thanked Romania for its assistance with cargo transit. New border crossing points on the Ukraine–Romania border are expected to open this summer.
Nicușor Dan thanked Ukraine for defending all of Europe, including Romania, and assured support for its path toward the European Union. The President of Romania also invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to participate in the Bucharest Nine meeting scheduled for May.
