The Minister of National Defence, Ionut Mosteanu, stated on Tuesday that there is no direct causal link between the partial withdrawal of US troops and any potential Russian strategies, noting that Russia 'is barely managing to hold the front with Ukraine.'

Mosteanu was asked whether, given the partial withdrawal of US troops from Romania, he expected an increase in provocations from the Russian Federation and whether this withdrawal could be perceived as a sign of weakness.

'I don't believe there is a direct causal relationship between the withdrawal of the rotational combat brigade and any potential strategies Russia might have. (...) I would have preferred not to have this discussion and for all the troops to remain here. Politically speaking, of course, it's not a positive signal, and I understand the concerns many have. What I can assure people of is that Romania's defence capability goes far beyond a single combat brigade of one thousand soldiers. That brigade was very important at the start of the war; it was essential that they came here and sent that signal. (...) All countries have agreed to equip themselves better, to prepare better, to conduct more exercises — and that's the reality. We are better prepared now than we were three and a half years ago, both Romania and the other allied states. Russia is barely managing to hold the front with Ukraine. That's a reality everyone can see every day. For almost the entire year, their advances against Ukraine have been minimal — and that's despite the fact that Ukraine is defending itself alone, with its own soldiers and citizens, receiving only equipment support from its allies,' Mosteanu said at the Palace of Parliament.

He added that Russia stands 'no chance' of attacking NATO, the world's strongest military alliance.

'That's the reality. And now I ask you: could Russia attack NATO, the greatest military power in the world? No, not a chance. And this, once again, is the spirit of NATO — we all agree to spend in order to defend ourselves collectively, under Article 3, and under Article 5 we commit that when one member state is attacked, we all rise to defend it. That's an extraordinary thing. (...) Troops can be moved very quickly. There are established plans for military mobility — by land, sea, and air. The airports are operational, and the allies have in place mobilisation plans that are functional and can be activated at any time if needed. I truly hope that, as long as we and our children live, there will never be a need to use them,' the minister emphasised. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dana Piciu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)