Vice President Kamala Harris met Friday with Romania’s president as she continued her mission to bolster NATO allies as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
The U.S. wants to reassure jittery allies like President Klaus Iohannis that it will help them cope with millions of refugees fleeing the escalating conflict and bolster their defenses against Russian saber-rattling.
“I am here to reaffirm our commitment to this partnership,” Harris said.
”Your visit is strength and living proof of our strong partnership,” Iohannis replied.
The talks come on the heels of the veep’s visit to Poland where she met with Ukrainian refugees and vowed to held authorities cope with the flood of millions of displaced people that will likely get much in the days and weeks ahead.
Romania has so far taken in fewer than 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war, a far cry from the million-plus that have sought refuge in Poland, which is closer to most major Ukrainian cities.
Other countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia, have also welcomed tens of thousands of refugees.
Harris said the U.S. was “absolutely prepared” to support those “who understand the moral obligation we should feel to help people who are fleeing harm and seeking refuge.”
Russia has stepped up its aerial bombardment campaign on cities across Ukraine, a development that will likely send millions more fleeing to relative safety outside the country.
