Georgescu's controversial remarks stir Romania-Ukraine tensions
Pro-Russian politician Călin Georgescu, the winner of the annulled first round of presidential elections in Romania, declared that Ukraine is an "imaginary country" and suggested that parts of its territory should be divided among Romania, Hungary, and Poland. These shocking statements are gaining traction online.
On Wednesday, during a political program hosted by right-wing commentator Ion Cristoiu on YouTube, Georgescu made a sensational claim, asserting that Ukraine is a fictitious country with no real existence.
Scandalous statements from Georgescu
When asked about the potential redrawing of Ukraine's borders after the end of the war with Russia, he opined that it would certainly happen.
The pro-Kremlin politician argued that territorial changes are unavoidable, emphasizing that the world is evolving and borders are shifting accordingly. He referenced Northern Bukovina, Budjak, and the northern part of Maramureș in Zakarpattia, noting that part of the region belongs to Hungarians. He also suggested that Lviv would go to Poland and referred to Malorossiya, a historical term for Ukrainian lands now used by Russian nationalists to dispute Ukraine’s existence.
Moscow's interference in Romanian elections
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the statement, accusing Georgescu of promoting Russian propaganda. "These statements parrot Russian propaganda, which indicates complete dependence on his masters in Moscow," stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Heorhiy Tykhyi, in a Facebook post by the Romanian embassy in Ukraine.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented on the statement, although it did not mention Georgescu by name. "The Romanian Foreign Ministry strongly reiterates Romania's steadfast position in support of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," read a post on platform X.
Georgescu, a previously unknown far-right politician, won the first round of presidential elections on November 24, 2024. However, two days before the second round in December, the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round and ordered the entire electoral process to be repeated. The decision was based on documents indicating that Georgescu's campaign resulted from manipulations, likely supported by Russia.
The first round of repeated presidential elections in Romania is scheduled for May 4, with the second round following two weeks later. According to an Avangarde poll published in mid-January before the elections, Georgescu is leading with 38% support, though it remains unclear whether he will be able to participate.
