Romania Accuses Moscow of Sabotage

A fire that damaged commercial facilities in Romania’s Brasov county last month has triggered a diplomatic confrontation between Bucharest and Moscow. President Nicusor Dan described the incident on Tuesday as a grave violation of the NATO member’s sovereignty and security. His comments come amid growing fears that Russia’s war in neighboring Ukraine could expand beyond the country’s borders.

The Romanian Intelligence Service revealed on Monday that it identified a sabotage network coordinated by Russia. The agency linked this network to the fire that broke out on September 14. Video footage released by the service shows an individual climbing a fire escape, followed by flashes and flames engulfing the building. Two people were later seen leaving the scene on bicycles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to Bucharest on Tuesday to protest the act. The ministry stated that evidence gathered during the investigation was presented to the diplomat. Officials emphasized that the actions were unacceptable and had severe implications for national security and the safety of citizens.

Russia has not commented on these specific accusations, though it has denied previous sabotage claims against European countries. The Romanian agency against organized crime, DIICOT, is investigating three foreign citizens: two Belarusians and one Ukrainian. All three are residents of European Union countries. Authorities detained two suspects in Germany while they were preparing for similar acts. A European arrest warrant was issued on Monday for the third suspect, who is located in Poland.

DIICOT added that officials are seeking to extradite all three individuals to Romania. The ministry of the interior noted that the suspected activities match patterns seen in other cases attributed to Russia. Prime Minister Luca Niculescu also condemned the plan, stating that authorities had dismantled a Russian sabotage network targeting the defense industry.

President Dan framed the incident as part of a broader hybrid war aimed at weakening European democracies. He listed tactics such as election interference, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and sabotage. Dan argued that these efforts have been ongoing for years with the goal of eroding solidarity among European states.

The intelligence service indicated that the network’s targets are not limited to Romania. It has been assigned a wide range of objectives across the region, including state and private weapons manufacturing facilities. Investigations this year uncovered other attempts against sites in Romania, including international military facilities and locations used to train Ukrainian armed forces. Dan also held Russia responsible for recent attacks on civil maritime transport in the Black Sea, which have left at least three people dead.

The president stated that these events are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated campaign. He said the goal is to sow division within European societies and undermine their commitment to collective defense.