Senator Radu Oprea addressed the Romanian parliament to commemorate one year since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, delivering a rousing address to his colleagues calling for continued and increased commitment to defending the region against Russia. After reflecting on the impact of Russian violence on Romania in the past, including his own family, he looked toward the future.

“The invasion also reminded me how hard we must work to improve our own democracy here at home. How important are the fundamental values of not only democracy and freedom, but also social and economic equality, justice before the law, equal opportunity and a free and vibrant press.”

Senator Oprea travelled to Washington in December with fellow Senator Robert Cazanciuc to share details of Romanian efforts to support Ukraine with Members of Congress, including key leaders in the House Foreign Affairs committee. He discussed with his American peers the vital contributions Romania has made to ensuring stability and bolstering security in the Black Sea Region, including the importance of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Partnership to protecting democracy. Senator Oprea also used his address to Parliament to celebrate PSD’s role in positioning Romania as a Western ally on the front lines of the war. He noted that it was under PSD leadership that Romania initiated the condemnation of Russian aggression in Ukraine and began the process of adopting sanctions.