President Klaus Iohannis says the world stands “united against the aggressor” marking two years since Russia invaded Ukraine.
In a message on X, the Romanian leader said: “We mark 2 years since Ukraine tirelessly fights to defend its people and territory. 2 years since we are united against the aggressor and we all stand up for democracy, the rule of law, for our values, our freedom and security. #StandWithUkraine @ZelenskyyUa
The message came a day after Mr Iohannis made a surprise move and said he was considering challenging frontrunner Mark Rutte for the NATO top job, according to Romanian diplomats.
The move indicates Romania’s aspirations to play a key role in the alliance’s future direction at a time when the 31-member military alliance is focusing on boosting its its eastern flank.
Mr. Iohannis is known for his pro-European and pro-American stance and support of strong defense policies. His nomination which hasn’t officially been confirmed in Bucharest reflects a new strategic positioning and a desire to guide the collective defense narrative.
As the world marked the two-year anniversary, U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday announced Washington would issue more than 500 new sanctions targeting Russia as the U.S. seeks to increase pressure on Moscow.
Casualties are hard to come by, but Ukraine’s military on Thursday said Russia had sustained 407,240 casualties since February 2022, including 1,160 in the previous 24 hours. The day before Russia’s Defense Ministry said that Ukraine had lost almost 1,200 troops in the previous day.
Meanwhile, as the war enters its third year, NATO forces are on the move for Steadfast Defender 2024, the Alliance’s largest exercise in decades.
The purpose of Steadfast Defender 2024 is to put NATO’s new regional defense plans to the test. With forces practising rapid deployment and combat in both Norway and Poland, Allies are proving their ability to command and control large ground, air and sea forces across significant distances.
