Professor Iulian Chifu, Senior Research Fellow of the Institute for National and International Security (INIS) and President of the Conflict Prevention Center, participated in the Romanian National Radio (Radio România Actualități) program “Global Agenda”, where he provided an in-depth assessment of the strategic priorities surrounding the NATO Summit in Ankara and the evolving security environment in the Black Sea region.

During the interview, Professor Chifu emphasized that Romania’s primary objective at the NATO Summit is aligned with the Alliance’s broader strategic goal of preserving NATO as a strong and capable transatlantic security organization. He underlined the importance of strengthening European defense capabilities while ensuring a responsible transition that maintains the Alliance’s deterrence and defense posture without creating security gaps.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the security of NATO’s Eastern Flank and the Black Sea region. Professor Chifu highlighted the growing importance of maritime security and referred to the trilateral Black Sea Mine Countermeasures (MCM Black Sea) initiative involving Romania, Türkiye, and Bulgaria. He noted that the initiative is expected to expand its operational scope to Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone and address both surface and subsea security, particularly in light of the forthcoming exploitation of the Neptun Deep natural gas project, scheduled to begin production in 2027.

Professor Chifu also addressed Romania’s participation in several key NATO capability development programs, including advanced intelligence and surveillance systems and multinational anti-ship missile initiatives, which will further strengthen the country’s contribution to Allied defense and deterrence.

Commenting on Russia’s war against Ukraine, Professor Chifu stressed that achieving a just and lasting peace will require sustained pressure on Moscow. He argued that Ukraine’s growing ability to strike military logistics, energy infrastructure, and strategic targets deep inside Russian-controlled territory has significantly weakened Russia’s capacity to sustain its war effort. While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic initiatives, he noted that meaningful negotiations remain unlikely without fundamental changes in the Kremlin’s political calculations.

The interview also examined Türkiye’s growing strategic importance within NATO. Professor Chifu discussed the prospects of renewed defense cooperation between the United States and Türkiye, including the possible return of Ankara to the F-35 fighter aircraft program, while emphasizing that technical issues related to the Russian S-400 air defense system remain central to future decisions.

INIS welcomes Professor Chifu’s continued contribution to international security debates and his active engagement in informing the public on strategic developments affecting NATO, the Black Sea region, and European security. His participation reflects INIS’s commitment to promoting evidence-based analysis and fostering informed discussions on contemporary security challenges.