A Romanian presidential candidate, Călin Georgescu, has sparked controversy by stating in an interview that Ukraine is a fictional state. Georgescu, an independent candidate, claimed that the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic is the real entity and that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine will inevitably lead to border changes.
Georgescu expressed his country’s historical claims to certain territories, including Northern Bukovina, Budjak and Northern Maramureș, formerly part of the Transcarpathian region. He also suggested that Hungary will retain some territories and that Poland and Russia will maintain control over certain areas, including Lviv and Malorossija.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry responded to Georgescu’s comments, reiterating its commitment to respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The ministry emphasized the importance of upholding international law, national interests and a long-standing value-based foreign policy.
Georgi Tichi, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, accused Georgescu of repeating “Russian propaganda” and described his statements as a “grave disrespect” for Ukraine and its people. The Ukrainian government condemned Georgescu’s comments, labeling them as “extreme” and “revisionist.”
Georgescu, who is considered a pro-Russian candidate, is leading in the polls ahead of the Romanian presidential election, scheduled for May 4, 2025, with a second round to be held on May 18, 2025, if necessary. The Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitri Peskow, denied any Russian interference in the Romanian election.