Bucharest, February 24, 2026: Marking four years since the start of Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine, Romania on Tuesday strongly condemned what it described as a clear act of aggression and an international armed conflict initiated by Russia, rejecting any characterization of the war as a so-called “Ukrainian crisis.”
In a statement issued in Bucharest, Romanian officials stressed that since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the launch of a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has blatantly violated Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law.
The statement noted that the international community has unequivocally identified Russia as the aggressor through multiple UN General Assembly resolutions, including Resolution 68/262 affirming the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Resolution ES-11/1 condemning the aggression. It underlined that Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to Russia’s armed attack.
Romania also highlighted grave violations of international humanitarian law resulting from the war, including the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children.
Reaffirming its position, Romania said it has consistently and unequivocally condemned Russia’s actions. As a neighbouring state and a member of the European Union and NATO, Romania reiterated its firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The statement added that Romania has provided substantial humanitarian, political, and logistical assistance to Ukraine, facilitated the transit of millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain, backed EU sanctions against Russia, and continued to advocate for accountability for war crimes and full reparations for the damage caused by the aggression.
