“If these statements come again from Vance and Musk or whoever, people will feel that their grievances are further confirmed by the Trump administration,” said Oana Popescu-Zamfir, director of GlobalFocus Center, a foreign policy and security think tank in Bucharest. “This is not just Russian interference, it’s double interference from Russia and from Washington.”
NATO base
The new alignment between the Kremlin and the White House is making heads spin in Bucharest. During the Cold War, Romania was one of the most pro-Western European countries under communist rule, maintaining links with the U.S. while remaining wary of Moscow.
Most of the country’s politicians and many voters regard Romania’s NATO membership and pro-Western outlook as non-negotiable. Romania is home to a U.S. missile shield site and a major NATO base that is being transformed into the alliance’s largest in Europe. It has also played an important role as a transport hub for Ukraine.
But in the Trump era, everything has changed — and Romania’s prevailing pro-EU, pro-American political culture is at risk. These days, facing West toward Washington no longer automatically means turning your back on Moscow.
“The whole thing ultimately benefits the Kremlin,” said Popescu-Zamfir. “There have been so many revelations over the past few days between Georgescu and his constituency and supporters and the Kremlin. Normally in a country like Romania with a lot of anti-Russian feeling you would expect people to be put off by this. But I think it’s the opposite that’s happening.”
With the Americans appearing happy to work with Moscow, many Romanians will feel they cannot avoid Russian influence, she said.
“I think that’s the ultimate goal for the Kremlin: chaos and confusion in the short run — and they have already achieved that — and in the longer run, having a firm footprint, and a more visible presence,” said Popescu-Zamfir. “This is not meant to make them liked, but to make them feared. I think that’s about to be achieved as well.”