Calin Georgescu, an independent presidential candidate, has expressed concerns that NATO is positioning Romania as a “gateway for war,” with intentions to initiate a significant offensive against Russia.

In a recent episode of ‘The Shawn Ryan Show’ aired on Saturday, Georgescu and former US Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan delved into the political upheaval in Romania and the implications of the military buildup at Mihail Kogalniceanu (MK) Air Base, the largest NATO installation near the Black Sea. Georgescu highlighted the risks associated with NATO’s military presence in Romania, cautioning that the bases could serve as a catalyst for conflict with Russia.

“The current situation in Romania, coupled with the lack of response from the international community, particularly the United States, indicates a misunderstanding of the circumstances here. If Romania is being utilized as a gateway for war, what comes next?” Georgescu remarked when asked if Romania is experiencing a coup.

“We do not need a war,” he emphasized.

Since joining NATO in 2004, Romania has been enhancing the MK Air Base to support a greater number of troops and military assets. This expansion is aimed at establishing NATO’s largest base in Europe. Moscow has criticized the development, with Andrey Klimov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, labeling it a “threat to Bucharest.”

Klimov warned that as the “anti-Russian” military base grows and moves closer to Russia’s borders, it increases the likelihood of being targeted in any retaliatory strikes.

When questioned about the potential use of the base for launching “a major offensive into Russia,” Georgescu replied, “Exactly. That is the term—offensive—which is unacceptable. We cannot condone this. It is not our concern. This is not our war.”

Georgescu, recognized for his pronounced Euroskeptic and anti-NATO stance, emerged as a leading candidate in Romania’s presidential election in November, garnering 22.94% of the votes. His ascent has led to speculation regarding a potential push for Romania to withdraw from NATO or at least to diminish military collaboration with the alliance.

However, Romania’s Constitutional Court invalidated the election prior to the second-round voting, citing intelligence reports that indicated “irregularities” in Georgescu’s campaign. This ruling ignited a series of protests in Bucharest.

On Friday, thousands of protesters assembled outside Romania’s highest court, calling for transparency and alleging that the authorities were executing an electoral coup.

“Nine individuals inside are making decisions for 19 million people,” the presidential candidate remarked during a discussion about the cancellation of the second election round. “We seek assistance for our democratic institutions, and we aim to safeguard our lives, our families, and our nation,” he further stated.