On February 1, 2023, Gheorghiță Vlad, chief of defence of Romania, spoke urgently about the country's unpreparedness for war with Russia amidst escalating tensions. He expressed worry for Romania’s population and the wider European Union. Vlad forecasted that President Putin’s policy would escalate conflict in the near future, especially if Russia wins in Ukraine, with destabilizing tensions spreading to the Western Balkans. He called for voluntary basic military training for both men and women up to 35 years old, noting that Romania’s short compulsory military service reduces army readiness. Vlad also highlighted legal constraints that prevent Romania from effectively countering Russian drone attacks, such as the strike on an Il-76 transport aircraft in September 2022. His warning aligns with those from other Western military leaders, including the UK and Germany, who urge NATO members to prepare for a possible war with Russia. Meanwhile, Russian officials continue to deny the accusations, labeling NATO as confrontational and a threat. Vlad stressed that the conflict is not just a war with Ukraine but a war by Russia against democratic values worldwide.

On February 1, 2023, Gheorghiță Vlad, chief of defence of Romania, spoke urgently about the country's unpreparedness for war with Russia amidst escalating tensions. He expressed worry for Romania’s population and the wider European Union. Vlad forecasted that President Putin’s policy would escalate conflict in the near future, especially if Russia wins in Ukraine, with destabilizing tensions spreading to the Western Balkans. He called for voluntary basic military training for both men and women up to 35 years old, noting that Romania’s short compulsory military service reduces army readiness. Vlad also highlighted legal constraints that prevent Romania from effectively countering Russian drone attacks, such as the strike on an Il-76 transport aircraft in September 2022. His warning aligns with those from other Western military leaders, including the UK and Germany, who urge NATO members to prepare for a possible war with Russia. Meanwhile, Russian officials continue to deny the accusations, labeling NATO as confrontational and a threat. Vlad stressed that the conflict is not just a war with Ukraine but a war by Russia against democratic values worldwide.