Oana Lungescu
@oanalungescu.bsky.social
Longest-serving & 1st woman #NATO Spokesperson (2010-2023), Distinguished Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, ex #BBC correspondent
Pinned
Oana Lungescu
@oanalungescu.bsky.social
· Jun 23
NATO’s High-Stakes Summit: Buying Time to Fill the Gaps
NATO’s summit in the Hague will set an historic target of 5% of GDP on defence. Allies hope this can buy enough time to fill current capability gaps, deter an aggressive Russia, and keep Donald Trump ...
www.rusi.org
At NATO’s high-stakes summit in The Hague, allies will set a new target to invest 5% of GDP in defense, hoping it will buy time to fill big capability gaps, please Trump & deter Putin. My commentary for @rusi.bsky.social
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania.
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank aimed to deter Russian aggression.
www.politico.eu
November 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania.
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
The 1994 Budapest memorandum with security guarantees for Ukraine was blatantly breached by Russia twice. In 2014 with Crimea’s illegal annexation & in 2022 with the full-scale invasion of 🇺🇦
Nobody should trust a word of what Putin says in Budapest - he’s just playing for time.
Nobody should trust a word of what Putin says in Budapest - he’s just playing for time.
‘We are ready’: Orbán hails planned Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest
The U.S. president says he will meet Russia’s leader in Hungary.
www.politico.eu
October 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The 1994 Budapest memorandum with security guarantees for Ukraine was blatantly breached by Russia twice. In 2014 with Crimea’s illegal annexation & in 2022 with the full-scale invasion of 🇺🇦
Nobody should trust a word of what Putin says in Budapest - he’s just playing for time.
Nobody should trust a word of what Putin says in Budapest - he’s just playing for time.
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
⚡️Germany pledges over $2.3 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, including Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems.
The package will also include precision-guided weapons and ammunition.
The package will also include precision-guided weapons and ammunition.
(16) Ukraine war latest live: Germany commits over $2.3 million in new military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot, IRIS-T systems
Coverage of Russia's war against Ukraine with breaking news and front-line updates. Germany will provide Ukraine with an additional military aid package worth more than 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion),...
kyivindependent.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:13 PM
⚡️Germany pledges over $2.3 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, including Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems.
The package will also include precision-guided weapons and ammunition.
The package will also include precision-guided weapons and ammunition.
As Russia tests NATO air defenses, the alliance must give its top military commander the flexibility he needs. Good preview of today’s meeting of defense ministers in @politico.eu by @victorjack.bsky.social including my take on need for greater clarity in rules of engagement.
NATO agonizes over leaky air defenses while Russian threat grows
Mounting drone incursions are sparking a debate on national rules that some see as limiting NATO’s top military officer.
www.politico.eu
October 15, 2025 at 9:56 AM
As Russia tests NATO air defenses, the alliance must give its top military commander the flexibility he needs. Good preview of today’s meeting of defense ministers in @politico.eu by @victorjack.bsky.social including my take on need for greater clarity in rules of engagement.
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
Trump to meet Zelenskyy in Washington on Friday on.ft.com/3J95bNF
Trump to meet Zelenskyy in Washington on Friday
US president has floated selling long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine in bid to end war
on.ft.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Trump to meet Zelenskyy in Washington on Friday on.ft.com/3J95bNF
An inspiring choice for the Nobel Peace Prize!
October 10, 2025 at 11:27 AM
An inspiring choice for the Nobel Peace Prize!
Russia paid for Orthodox priests from #Moldova to make pilgrimages to Moscow. In exchange, they had to set up social media accounts warning about the dangers of closer European integration. @reuters.com investigation about how Kremlin is trying to influence Sunday’s key #election in Moldova 🇲🇩
Holy war: How Russia recruited Orthodox priests to sway Moldova's voters
Russia paid for Moldovan Orthodox priests to make Moscow pilgrimages and gave them debit cards loaded with hundreds of dollars on their return home. In exchange, priests created Telegram channels to influence Moldova's elections, promoting traditional values over ‘gay Europe.’
www.reuters.com
September 27, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Russia paid for Orthodox priests from #Moldova to make pilgrimages to Moscow. In exchange, they had to set up social media accounts warning about the dangers of closer European integration. @reuters.com investigation about how Kremlin is trying to influence Sunday’s key #election in Moldova 🇲🇩
NATO has responded to Russia’s incursion in Estonia’s airspace. But as Moscow’s recklessness grows, NATO must deploy more air defense & give SACEUR Gen Grynkewich maximum flexibility. My take for @Carnegieeurope along with some great colleagues. Thanks @rmomtaz.bsky.social for the timely question!
❔| #TTP: Should NATO Have Shot Down Russian Planes Violating Estonian Airspace?
Russia has tested NATO by sending drones and fighter jets into the alliance's territory. So far, the response has been restrained, but should NATO have done more to deter Moscow? ⤵️
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
Russia has tested NATO by sending drones and fighter jets into the alliance's territory. So far, the response has been restrained, but should NATO have done more to deter Moscow? ⤵️
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
Taking the Pulse: Should NATO Have Shot Down Russian Planes Violating Estonian Airspace?
In recent weeks, Russia has tested NATO by sending drones and fighter jets into the alliance’s territory. NATO has opted so far for a restrained response, but should it have done more to deter Moscow?
carnegieendowment.org
September 25, 2025 at 1:39 PM
NATO has responded to Russia’s incursion in Estonia’s airspace. But as Moscow’s recklessness grows, NATO must deploy more air defense & give SACEUR Gen Grynkewich maximum flexibility. My take for @Carnegieeurope along with some great colleagues. Thanks @rmomtaz.bsky.social for the timely question!
How is NATO balancing deterrence and defense in responding to Russia’s repeated airspace violations? Read this @politico.eu article by @laukaya.bsky.social with my take ✈️
@rusi.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
@rusi.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Finger on the trigger: How NATO is responding to Russia’s airspace violations
NATO is a defensive alliance, which makes it very cautious about responding with force to Russia’s provocations.
www.politico.eu
September 24, 2025 at 7:34 AM
How is NATO balancing deterrence and defense in responding to Russia’s repeated airspace violations? Read this @politico.eu article by @laukaya.bsky.social with my take ✈️
@rusi.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
@rusi.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Russia is conducting an intense disinformation campaign to sway Moldova’s parliamentary elections on Sept. 28, flooding social media with fake posts, videos & websites & using increasingly effective AI tools, in a template for future interference.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
Russia Steps Up Disinformation Efforts as Trump Abandons Resistance
www.nytimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Russia is conducting an intense disinformation campaign to sway Moldova’s parliamentary elections on Sept. 28, flooding social media with fake posts, videos & websites & using increasingly effective AI tools, in a template for future interference.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/b...
“The Chinese nation is a great nation that does not fear violence,” warns Xi Jinping at massive military parade, standing with the Russian & North Korean dictators. A clear signal of how China aims to shape the world order & why US attempts to prise Putin away from Xi are naive.
on.ft.com/3HT68cs
on.ft.com/3HT68cs
Xi Jinping hails ‘unstoppable’ China at landmark military parade
Beijing sends ‘peace or war’ warning while Trump accuses leaders of ‘conspiring’ against US
on.ft.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:23 AM
“The Chinese nation is a great nation that does not fear violence,” warns Xi Jinping at massive military parade, standing with the Russian & North Korean dictators. A clear signal of how China aims to shape the world order & why US attempts to prise Putin away from Xi are naive.
on.ft.com/3HT68cs
on.ft.com/3HT68cs
The ban on @rusi.bsky.social operating in Russia is a backward step not meant to silence RUSI but domestic debate about the Russian government, as Director General Ellehuus says.Proud to be associated with the world’s oldest defence think-tank & its work, including on Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine
In response to news that Russian authorities have banned RUSI from operating in Russia, RUSI's Director-General, Rachel Ellehuus, has released a statement, which is available in full on our website.
RUSI Statement: Russia Declares RUSI to be 'Undesirable'
On 2 September 2025, the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia announced a prohibition on RUSI undertaking any activities inside Russia.
www.rusi.org
September 2, 2025 at 9:24 PM
The ban on @rusi.bsky.social operating in Russia is a backward step not meant to silence RUSI but domestic debate about the Russian government, as Director General Ellehuus says.Proud to be associated with the world’s oldest defence think-tank & its work, including on Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
The leaders of France, Germany and Poland are converging today on tiny Moldova to urge voters to keep turning away from Russia and support their country’s pro-EU government.
European heavyweights come out in force to urge Moldovans to snub Putin
Merz, Macron and Tusk are visiting the country in support of Maia Sandu’s pro-EU camp ahead of a pivotal election.
ow.ly
August 27, 2025 at 6:52 AM
The leaders of France, Germany and Poland are converging today on tiny Moldova to urge voters to keep turning away from Russia and support their country’s pro-EU government.
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
💥 US offers to provide European-led Ukraine peace force with intelligence & surveillance capacities, command & control assets & air defence components in major shift for Trump & big win for Nato, officials briefed on negotiations with Washington tell me & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/4mKuhko
on.ft.com/4mKuhko
US offers air and intelligence support to postwar force in Ukraine
[FREE TO READ] Washington prepared to contribute surveillance, command and control and air defence assets, say European officials
on.ft.com
August 26, 2025 at 3:12 PM
💥 US offers to provide European-led Ukraine peace force with intelligence & surveillance capacities, command & control assets & air defence components in major shift for Trump & big win for Nato, officials briefed on negotiations with Washington tell me & @christopherjm.ft.com
on.ft.com/4mKuhko
on.ft.com/4mKuhko
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
🚨 BREAKING: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is convening an emergency virtual summit on Wednesday with European leaders, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
🔗 ow.ly/66SM50WCOGG
🔗 ow.ly/66SM50WCOGG
August 11, 2025 at 2:10 PM
🚨 BREAKING: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is convening an emergency virtual summit on Wednesday with European leaders, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
🔗 ow.ly/66SM50WCOGG
🔗 ow.ly/66SM50WCOGG
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
Merz has managed to convene a virtual summit with Trump, Zelensky and others on Wednesday - a small victory for German diplomacy after Merz & Trump spoke last night, but let's see what emerges.
August 11, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Merz has managed to convene a virtual summit with Trump, Zelensky and others on Wednesday - a small victory for German diplomacy after Merz & Trump spoke last night, but let's see what emerges.
The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine 🇺🇦
Read the statement by President Macron 🇫🇷 PM Meloni 🇮🇹 PM Starmer 🇬🇧 European Commission President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu 🇪🇺
President @alexstubb.bsky.social 🇫🇮 ahead of President Trump’s planned meeting with Putin in Alaska.
Read the statement by President Macron 🇫🇷 PM Meloni 🇮🇹 PM Starmer 🇬🇧 European Commission President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu 🇪🇺
President @alexstubb.bsky.social 🇫🇮 ahead of President Trump’s planned meeting with Putin in Alaska.
August 10, 2025 at 8:15 AM
The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine 🇺🇦
Read the statement by President Macron 🇫🇷 PM Meloni 🇮🇹 PM Starmer 🇬🇧 European Commission President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu 🇪🇺
President @alexstubb.bsky.social 🇫🇮 ahead of President Trump’s planned meeting with Putin in Alaska.
Read the statement by President Macron 🇫🇷 PM Meloni 🇮🇹 PM Starmer 🇬🇧 European Commission President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu 🇪🇺
President @alexstubb.bsky.social 🇫🇮 ahead of President Trump’s planned meeting with Putin in Alaska.
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
Keith Kellogg, United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, arrived in Kyiv this morning.
July 14, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Keith Kellogg, United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, arrived in Kyiv this morning.
Significant visit to Washington by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of President Trump’s expected announcement of a major plan facilitating weapon sales to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine. After speaking to Trump last week Rutte said he’s working with allies to get 🇺🇦 the help they need
July 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Significant visit to Washington by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of President Trump’s expected announcement of a major plan facilitating weapon sales to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine. After speaking to Trump last week Rutte said he’s working with allies to get 🇺🇦 the help they need
“You are our dagger in Europe and we will be sharpening you carefully.” The chilling message of a Russian handler to a British drug dealer behind sabotage attacks in the U.K., exposing how Moscow uses criminal gangs to destabilise Europe & its support for Ukraine.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
The Wild Russian Plot to Burn a London Restaurant and Kidnap Its Owner
www.nytimes.com
July 8, 2025 at 7:43 PM
“You are our dagger in Europe and we will be sharpening you carefully.” The chilling message of a Russian handler to a British drug dealer behind sabotage attacks in the U.K., exposing how Moscow uses criminal gangs to destabilise Europe & its support for Ukraine.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
Welcome news that the US Department of Defense is sending “additional defensive weapons” to Ukraine. Putin’s continued unjustified attacks show he has zero interest in peace. The only way to ensure peace is to support Ukraine.
July 8, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Welcome news that the US Department of Defense is sending “additional defensive weapons” to Ukraine. Putin’s continued unjustified attacks show he has zero interest in peace. The only way to ensure peace is to support Ukraine.
Reposted by Oana Lungescu
The UK will host a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing, a loose partnership of Western countries pledging support for Ukraine, on the sidelines of a French-British summit on Thursday.
UK to host Ukraine ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting next week
The push has been driven by France and the U.K. to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.
ow.ly
July 4, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The UK will host a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing, a loose partnership of Western countries pledging support for Ukraine, on the sidelines of a French-British summit on Thursday.
We shouldn’t be afraid, we should be prepared - the recurring theme of this great visual story of how NATO countries from Finland 🇫🇮 to Poland 🇵🇱 are strengthening their defences to deter any Russian attack. @richardmilne.ft.com @financialtimes.com
For countries on Europe’s easternmost flank, Russia is a present and looming threat – and they are preparing in case Moscow once again decides to test Nato’s defensive resolve https://on.ft.com/3ZZlJNs
July 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
We shouldn’t be afraid, we should be prepared - the recurring theme of this great visual story of how NATO countries from Finland 🇫🇮 to Poland 🇵🇱 are strengthening their defences to deter any Russian attack. @richardmilne.ft.com @financialtimes.com
Does meeting NATO’s new target of 5% of GDP on defense enable Europe to confront the Russian threat? My take for @carnegieendowment.org Strategic Europe, skilfully edited by @rmomtaz.bsky.social.
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
June 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Does meeting NATO’s new target of 5% of GDP on defense enable Europe to confront the Russian threat? My take for @carnegieendowment.org Strategic Europe, skilfully edited by @rmomtaz.bsky.social.
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
NATO’s Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions. Read @reuters.com analysis of how the summit in the The Hague went smoothly - and what may come next, including my take.
@liliebayer.bsky.social @andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
@liliebayer.bsky.social @andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
NATO's Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions
Lavishing praise, playing the royal card and copying his slogans – NATO pulled out all the stops to keep Donald Trump happy and hold the alliance together at a summit in The Hague.
www.reuters.com
June 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
NATO’s Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions. Read @reuters.com analysis of how the summit in the The Hague went smoothly - and what may come next, including my take.
@liliebayer.bsky.social @andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
@liliebayer.bsky.social @andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/business/aer...