Romania’s Far-Right Candidate Calls for Ukraine’s Territorial Reclaiming

In a recent interview, Călin Georgescu, a prominent Romanian far-right presidential candidate, has ignited controversy with his statements about Ukraine. Georgescu described Ukraine as a “fictional state” and suggested that the partitioning of its territories is “inevitable” due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

His comments have drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, which condemned them as Russian propaganda and contrary to international norms and democratic values.

Georgescu’s remarks included speculative claims about Romania potentially reclaiming certain Ukrainian regions, such as Northern Bukovina and Budjak, and even suggested that Poland might annex Lviv. These statements echo narratives often associated with Russian propaganda, further fueling regional tensions.

The world is changing. Borders will change. Moreover, if borders change, where are we? We have Northern Bukovina, interest. We have Bugeac, we have Northern Maramureș, right? From the former Transcarpathia, there is also the Hungarians, Lviv, which will remain with the Poles.

Calin Georgescu on territorial demands for former Romanian territories in Ukraine

In 2020, Ukrainian President Zelenky talked about Romania’s occupation in Northern Bukovina in 1918, a provocative rhetoric sanctioned at that time by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

…most of the territory of Galicia was occupied by Polish troops. Romanians occupied Northern Bukovyna, and Czechoslovakia occupied Zakarpattia

Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky on North Bukovina

Despite the backlash, Georgescu remains a leading candidate for the rescheduled presidential elections in May 2025, with significant projected support. His campaign platform includes opposing military aid to Ukraine and the transit of Ukrainian grain through Romania.

This stance has resonated with some segments of the Romanian electorate, particularly those sceptical of NATO’s involvement in Eastern Europe, and the controversy surrounding Georgescu’s comments highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in Eastern Europe.