**Ukraine Condemns Romanian Presidential Candidate’s Statement**
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a statement made by Romania’s far-right presidential candidate, Calin Georgescu. He called Ukraine a “fictional state” whose partition is “inevitable.” The Foreign Ministry labeled his comments as Russian propaganda.
Georgescu’s statements were dismissed as revisionist and contrary to international norms, the U.N. Charter, and democratic values. Ukraine remains confident in Romania’s support for peace in Ukraine, but notes that such a development is not part of Russia‘s plans.
**Romania’s Presidential Elections**
Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round of Romania’s presidential elections in November 2024. However, the constitutional court later annulled the results due to alleged Russian interference and a hybrid campaign on TikTok that boosted Georgescu’s candidacy. He remains the frontrunner for the rescheduled May election.
**Ukraine-Romania Relations**
Romania has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, providing military aid, hosting F-16 pilot training, and facilitating the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products. However, Georgescu has openly opposed military aid to Ukraine and the transit of Ukrainian grain through Romania.
**Russian Propaganda**
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, said that Georgescu’s comments are identical to Russian propaganda and indicate a complete dependence on Moscow. Ukraine reminds Romania that such development is not part of Russia’s plans.
**Other News**
A Russian drone struck a residential building in the northeastern city of Sumy overnight on Jan. 30, killing four people and injuring at least nine others.