CCECRR calls for responsibility, calm and the use of all diplomatic means to prevent the escalation of regional tensions

The Romanian-Russian Chamber of Economic and Cultural Cooperation expresses its profound solidarity with the people affected by the incident that occurred in the municipality of Galați and conveys wishes for a swift recovery to those injured, as well as compassion for the families who went through moments of fear and suffering.

The life and safety of citizens must always be the absolute priority of any state and any society. Any event that endangers innocent people must be treated with the utmost seriousness, professionalism and responsibility.

At the same time, we believe that the gravity of such an incident requires prudence in public statements and the avoidance of conclusions drawn before the completion of official investigations. We have observed with concern that, from the very first moments after the event, numerous accusations, qualifications and calls for escalation appeared in the public sphere — before all technical data and expert conclusions were known.

In a democratic and responsible state, the truth must be established through investigations, expert analyses and evidence — not through emotion, media pressure or political competition.

If the investigations confirm the origin of the aircraft and the exact circumstances of the incident, the competent authorities must unequivocally establish the causes that led to its entry into Romanian territory and clarify whether it was an intentional action, a technical error, an accidental deviation, or other circumstances that must be analysed with full objectivity.

We also consider that political leaders, opinion formers and representatives of civil society bear a major responsibility in such moments. Alarmist speeches, calls for confrontation and statements that fuel collective emotion can produce dangerous effects in an already tense regional context.

Today, Romania needs lucidity, not hysteria. Responsibility, not radicalisation. Diplomacy, not the inflaming of conflicts.

Romania benefits from solid security guarantees and is part of one of the strongest collective cooperation and defence systems in the world. It is precisely this safety and stability that should make us even more responsible in using all available diplomatic instruments to prevent the spread of conflicts and to reduce regional tensions.

We believe that the strength of a state is measured not only by its defence capability, but also by its ability to sustain dialogue, to avoid unnecessary escalation and to contribute to identifying solutions that protect people's lives.

The experience of recent years shows us a truth no one can ignore: every war produces losses. There are victims, there is suffering, there are affected families and communities that bear the consequences of confrontations stretching out over time.

That is why, before speaking of expanding conflicts or new forms of confrontation, all mechanisms of dialogue, all diplomatic channels and all negotiation opportunities that can contribute to restoring peace and stability must be used.

Genuine civil society should be the first to understand the value of peace and the human cost of war. Those who constantly call for escalation should reflect responsibly on the effects such positions may have on citizens, on regional security and on the future of the generations to come.

In this context, we also consider relevant the statements of representatives of the Romanian military structures, who have urged a professional and balanced assessment of the situation. The Commander of the Joint Forces Command, Brigadier General Gheorghe Maxim, publicly stated that "we are not facing an attack by Russia on Romania; such situations have happened and may happen again," emphasising the need for responsible analysis based on concrete data.

Romania is one of the European countries in direct proximity to the conflict, and this reality should also give it an additional mission: to become a space of dialogue, mediation and bridge-building between the parties in disagreement.

Romania's national interest is represented by the safety of its citizens, the stability of the region and the promotion of all conditions that can contribute to reducing risks and bringing the prospect of peace closer.

The Romanian-Russian Chamber of Economic and Cultural Cooperation reaffirms its conviction that diplomacy must remain the main instrument for resolving international disputes and that dialogue must prevail over confrontation.

Throughout its existence, the Chamber has consistently supported cooperation, communication and the bringing together of people, communities and institutions. We believe today, as always, that it is easier to build bridges than walls, and that peace represents the most important investment for the future of Europe.

We call on all political forces, on representatives of civil society, on the media and on opinion leaders to show responsibility, balance and respect for the truth, avoiding the transformation of a serious situation into an instrument of political or ideological confrontation.

Romania needs unity, calm and maturity.

We have the obligation to protect people's lives, to support the institutions investigating the facts and to use all available diplomatic resources to reduce tensions and bring the prospect of peace closer.

Peace is not a sign of weakness.

Peace is the supreme expression of responsibility — towards people, towards the future and towards the generations who will come after us.

Tudor Afanasov President Romanian-Russian Chamber of Economic and Cultural Cooperation (CCECRR)