President Nicusor Dan on Tuesday, after participating in the 'Coalition of Willing' online meeting from the Special Operations Forces Command (CFOS) in Targu Mures, said that a series of conclusions had been drawn, one being that the United States is interested in the war in Ukraine and in European security, which is a very positive development, while the second conclusion was that we are much closer to a trilateral meeting between the USA, Ukraine and Russia.

'It was a videoconference that was announced yesterday for today [Tuesday], and since I was in the area, I chose a military unit where I could have the necessary communications, and I was very pleased to come here, to the Special Operations Command. As you know, this is the third in a series - we're talking about the Coalition of Willing - one took place on Wednesday, one on Sunday, and one today. Tuesday's session was held before the talks that President Trump had with President Zelenskyy and European leaders on Monday (yesterday), where our message was prepared, and one right after. The conclusion is that the United States is interested in the war in Ukraine and in Europe's security, which is a very good thing. The second conclusion is that we are much closer to that trilateral conference - a meeting among the United States, Ukraine and Russia. It will probably be preceded by a bilateral discussion between Russia and Ukraine, but what's important is reaching that three-way discussion,' President Nicusor Dan told the press in Targu Mures.

The third conclusion of the meeting, the president said, was that the positions expressed during the meeting ranged from optimism to pessimism regarding Russia.

'The third conclusion is that the Western world is united on this issue, in the sense that this is a war of aggression, that Ukraine is the victim in this war, and that after 80 years of peace, the international order has been violated. We must fight, because fighting for peace means respecting the international order, otherwise there will be territorial claims everywhere - and that is exactly what we do not need right now. To give you some insight into the internal discussions, the positions ranged from optimism to pessimism regarding Russia's actions. That is, there were more optimistic leaders who believed we might reach a peace process, and others more pessimistic, who argued that if Russia had truly wanted peace, it would have shown it by now. Therefore, in light of this second scenario, there was consensus that we must continue with economic sanctions, which are the only way to exert pressure on Russia to eventually reach peace,' President Nicusor Dan explained.

The head of state also said that Ukraine has wanted peace since the beginning of the war and that the problem lies with Russia, and that in order to pressure Russia into peace, 'it must be constrained somehow.'

'As you know, Europe has already implemented 18 packages of economic sanctions and is now preparing the 19th. These economic sanctions have had an effect. At the level of the US Congress, a set of sanctions and tariffs is also being prepared, which would further discourage Russia. The decision on the American side is to wait for this trilateral meeting in order to see where things stand, and they too are optimistic that a consensus may be reached. Otherwise, there is the possibility that the United States will also impose sanctions on Russia. This is the situation we are in right now, and while we speak, the war continues, and so Western states continue to provide Ukraine with economic and military support (...). It has become clear that Europe is united and that all seven European leaders who were present spoke with one voice: pressure for organising this trilateral meeting. Very importantly, as you know, the role of the Coalition of Willing, which was formed six months ago, has been, beyond offering concrete aid to Ukraine, to prepare for what will happen immediately after a ceasefire or peace is reached. And the recent development after the past week, including the Alaska meeting, the phone call, and yesterday's meeting, is that the United States also wants to be part of these security guarantees,' Nicusor Dan said.

When the war ends, Nicusor Dan added, there are discussions among Western countries, including the United States, about ensuring long-term peace.

'Romania's position, as I said after Sunday's conference, is that it is important for the United States to remain part of the process, and that has happened, which is a good thing. It is important that we move closer to that trilateral meeting, and it is expected to happen. It is important that Europe speaks with one voice, and that is happening, and that we continue to offer support. And here, opinions differ between the more optimistic and the more pessimistic. We believe that Russia does not want peace at this time, and therefore we must be ready with the sanctions package to put pressure on them,' Nicusor Dan concluded.

During his visit to the Special Operations Forces Command in Targu Mures, the president was accompanied by the commander of the Special Operations Forces Command and by the head of the Battalion in Targu Mures, who presented him their activities.

'These are the Special Forces, they are a very, very important part of the Romanian Army, and people who are always on the front line. I am honoured that they presented everything they do, including a training session,' added President Nicusor Dan. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dorina Matis; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)