Kelly Travels to Romania to Strengthen NATO Alliance and Reaffirm Support for Ukraine’s Defense
Kelly saw Ukrainian pilots training on F-16s and U.S. troops stationed along NATO’s eastern flank
He met with newly elected Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Defense Minister Moșteanu, and U.S. Embassy officials
This follows his trip to Ukraine in March
Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly returned from a trip to Romania, a key U.S. ally on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine, where he reinforced the United States’ commitment to NATO and to Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s illegal invasion. During the trip, Kelly met with American troops stationed near the Black Sea, observed Ukrainian pilots training on U.S.-built F-16s, and toured key NATO missile defense infrastructure. He was also briefed by U.S. Embassy officials and met with Romanian leaders about strengthening alliance coordination and supporting Ukraine’s path to victory.
“I traveled to Romania to stand with one of our strongest NATO allies and to see firsthand how they’re helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s illegal invasion,” said Kelly. “The F-16 training operation they stood up in their country is making a real difference on the battlefield in Ukraine and is a testament to the importance of strong alliances. From training Ukrainian pilots to strengthening defenses along the Black Sea, Romania is stepping up in a way that makes all of us safer. I’m bringing what I saw back to Washington as we continue pushing for the resources and strategy needed to meet this moment.”
During his visit, Kelly toured the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) at Romania’s 86th Air Base, where Ukrainian pilots are training to operate U.S.-built fighter jets and met with pilots. Kelly has been a strong advocate for providing F-16s to Ukraine, has met with Ukrainian pilots in Kyiv, and has seen Ukrainian pilots training at the 162nd Wing in Tucson, Arizona. He also visited American service members stationed at Mihail Kogălniceanu (MK) Air Base and received briefings on NATO’s posture in the Black Sea region. At the Aegis Ashore missile defense site in Deveselu, Kelly was briefed on missile defense operations and regional deterrence.
Kelly also met with newly elected Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and heard about the new administration’s domestic priorities and its renewed commitment to the NATO alliance. In addition, Kelly met with Amb. Cristian Diaconescu, Head of the National Security Department and Coordinator of the Chancellery of the President of Romania to discuss regional security challenges, U.S-Romania cooperation, and Romania’s strategic priorities on NATO’s eastern flank. Kelly also met with the new Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu to discuss Romania’s leadership in NATO, its defense modernization efforts, and continued support for Ukraine. Lastly, Kelly met with Chamber of Deputies VP Raluca Turcan to discuss Romania’s legislative priorities, shared efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, economic resilience, and regional security.
Kelly closed out the trip on July 4th by joining U.S. sailors and Romanian military officers at the 99th Military Base and Naval Support Facility, Deveselu for an Independence Day celebration, where he spoke to the strength of the U.S.–Romania partnership and America’s commitment to democracy, security, and freedom across Europe.
To download photos from the trip, click here.
