Zelensky Visits Romanian F-16 Training Center, Highlights Defense Cooperation with Romania

Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Romania’s Defense Minister Radu Miruță visited the 86th Air Base “Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță” in Borcea on Thursday, where Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training to operate F-16 fighter jets at the European F-16 Training Center.

During the visit, the two officials met with staff and Ukrainian trainees and discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities as well as security cooperation on NATO’s eastern flank, according to the Romanian Ministry of Defense.

Defense Minister Miruță said the visit underscores the close partnership between Romania and Ukraine in the field of security and defense. He noted that Zelensky’s presence at the Borcea air base sends a clear message of solidarity and coordination among partners in addressing security challenges in the Black Sea region.

The discussions also focused on continuing training programs for Ukrainian pilots as part of broader allied initiatives to enhance Ukraine’s air force capabilities. The first group of Ukrainian pilots began training at the center in 2024, with some already participating in combat missions against Russian forces.

In a statement posted on social media, President Zelensky said he met Ukrainian service members currently undergoing training in Romania and discussed their training conditions and operational challenges.

“I thank Romania, the instructors at the center, and everyone who is helping us defend ourselves and counter Russian terror,” Zelensky said. He also expressed gratitude to the United States for providing American fighter jets and to Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway for transferring aircraft to Ukraine.

Senior military officials, including Romania’s Chief of Defense Staff Gheorghiță Vlad and Air Force Chief Leonard Baraboi, were also present during the visit to the training center.

Earlier the same day, Zelensky met with Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest. During talks at the presidential Cotroceni Palace, the two leaders signed a strategic partnership declaration along with several agreements, including plans for joint drone production in Romania.

Later, during meetings at the Government headquarters, Zelensky and Prime Minister Bolojan discussed broader cooperation in defense, energy, transport, and economic development, as well as Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The discussions also addressed energy interconnections, Black Sea hydrocarbon resources, and transport projects, including the potential construction of a bridge over the Danube between Orlivka and Isaccea and the development of direct rail links between Kyiv and Bucharest.

Prime Minister Bolojan also raised the importance of protecting the rights of the Romanian minority in Ukraine, particularly access to education in the Romanian language. He welcomed Ukraine’s decision to celebrate Romanian Language Day annually on August 31.

President Zelensky assured that schools in Romanian communities in Ukraine would remain open and expressed appreciation for Romania’s continued support since the beginning of the war.