Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha called the attempted arson at the Carfil defense enterprise in Brasov, Romania, part of the Russian campaign to destabilize Europe. He called on European countries to increase sanctions pressure on Moscow and take additional measures to eliminate Russian sabotage networks.
The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry wrote on the social network X on Tuesday, October 27.
According to the minister, the sabotage network uncovered by Romanian intelligence services became yet another evidence that Russia is trying to undermine the security of European states not only through military means but also through covert methods.
Sybiha emphasized that such incidents should not be viewed as isolated events. In his assessment, arsons, sabotage, and covert operations are elements of a broader Russian campaign against European countries.
The main goal of such actions, the minister said, is to weaken Europe's defense capabilities and reduce its ability to support Ukraine.
"We express solidarity with Romania," Sybiha said, calling for decisive actions against Russian sabotage networks, including the introduction of additional sanctions.
The reason for the statement was the results of the investigation into the fire that occurred on September 14 at an industrial site in Brasov, directly next to the Carfil defense enterprise, which is part of the state concern Romarm.
On October 26, Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) reported the discovery of a sabotage network whose activities, according to the investigation, were coordinated from Russia.
Romanian law enforcement officers identified the alleged involvement in the arson of three people — two citizens of Belarus and one citizen of Ukraine, who lived in European Union countries.
Two suspects were detained in Germany, where, according to investigators, they were preparing similar crimes. The third was located in Poland. European arrest warrants have been issued for all three, and Romanian authorities are seeking their extradition.
According to reports from Romanian law enforcement agencies, the activities of this group were not limited to the plant in Brasov. The suspects also considered other industrial and military facilities in Romania and neighboring European countries.
According to the assessment of Romanian intelligence, such operations are aimed at intimidating the population, damaging defense infrastructure, and limiting the ability of European countries to participate in ensuring regional security.
After the publication of the investigation results, Romanian authorities strengthened the protection of strategic facilities. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 27 summoned the Russian ambassador in Bucharest to obtain explanations regarding Russia's possible involvement in the sabotage.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan also condemned foreign interference and attempts to carry out sabotage operations on the country's territory, calling such actions an unacceptable violation of its sovereignty.
