Romania To Provide Air Defense Systems to Ukraine and Assist in Training F-16 Pilots
Romania will provide Ukraine with air defense systems and assist in training pilots for F-16 aircraft, announced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference in Bucharest following a meeting with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
It is reported on the official website of the President of Ukraine.
The leaders discussed how to expedite this training and agreed that Ukrainian pilots would be included in the first wave of instruction.
Additionally, it was revealed that in a new package of support from Romania, Ukraine will receive artillery systems and air defense installations.
"Ukraine and Romania together are important security donors, particularly in terms of food. We are working with various partners to strengthen our air defense, both in the country and in the Odesa region," noted Zelenskyy.
He also mentioned that within the Ukraine-Romania-Moldova triangle, a robust foundation can be established for the development not only of these two countries and their peoples but also for all of Europe.
"In the near future, a 'grain corridor' from Ukraine through Moldova to Romania will become operational. This serves as an example of how much we can achieve together, which will be significant not only for us but for Europe and the world as a whole," stated the Ukrainian leader.
In turn, Klaus Iohannis assured that Romania would continue to provide support to Ukraine, including military assistance, until Ukraine achieves a complete victory over Russian aggressors and regains its territories.
Following the negotiations, the presidents signed a bilateral declaration that outlines key aspects of Ukraine's cooperation with Romania. According to Zelenskyy, the document addresses security cooperation, especially in the Black Sea region, support for the Peace Formula, expansion of economic and logistical collaboration, simplification of border crossing procedures, and the opening of new border checkpoints.
It's worth noting that this marks President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's first official visit to Romania since Russia's full-scale aggression began.
Additionally, it's reported that a joint session of the Romanian Parliament, dedicated to President Zelenskyy's address, scheduled for today at 17:00, has been canceled without further explanation. Journalists speculate that this decision might be due to potential intentions from lawmakers with pro-Russian sympathies to disrupt the Ukrainian president's speech.