Romania Was Right Not to Join the Peace Council. Russia Is the Enemy—So Why Invite Putin?

Former U.S. Ambassador: Romania Was Right Not to Join the Peace Council. Russia Is the Enemy—So Why Invite Putin?

Adrian Zuckerman, former United States Ambassador to Romania, said on Thursday, during the program Sinteza Zilei on Antena 3 CNN, that he does not understand why Trump’s so-called “Peace Council” was created.

Asked by host Mihai Gâdea whether it was good or bad that Romania was not present in Davos to sign documents alongside President Trump, Zuckerman replied:

“I think it was very good.”

The former ambassador also advised Romania’s president to focus on the country’s own national interests:

“Look at what the plan is for your country. Don’t go and do what you think the Americans would like—do what you believe is right for Romania.”

Zuckerman went on to outline what he described as three essential points:

“We need to say three things. First, we don’t understand this peace plan. Second, regarding Greenland, Trump talked about building this ‘Golden Dome.’ It’s a good idea, from the Reagan era, meant to protect America and others from bad actors who attack. But who are the bad actors? I can think of two—Iran, for example. And who remains in the axis of evil? Russia and China. And yet Russia is being invited in.

I don’t understand the people around Trump who say, ‘I met with Putin, it was a very good meeting—he’s a good man, a man of faith.’ How can you say that? If they truly believe this, then they are living in a different reality. Putin is not a good man—he is a criminal. Zelensky is a modern-day Churchill. If he saved democracy in Ukraine, he is trying to save democracy in the rest of the world and must be supported at all costs.

There are also those who want another Yalta, another sphere of influence. Many say the Trump administration is transactional. But democracy is not transactional—we cannot buy it or sell it.”

Zuckerman added that if he were to advise Romania’s president directly, his message would be unequivocal:

“Look at the plan for Romania. Don’t do what you think the Americans would like—do what you believe is right for Romania. Develop the economy, strengthen the military, and move forward,” said Adrian Zuckerman.

When asked whether Romania should join the “Peace Council,” the former ambassador responded:

“Maybe yes—but I don’t understand what it actually is. Does it make peace and discuss Gaza? Is there more to it? Who sets the rules? Simply being a member of a committee doesn’t mean much. You don’t have to say no, and you don’t have to say yes. You have to take a close look.

The reality is that there are many problems within the United Nations. But it’s better to fix those problems. The biggest problems at the UN come from Russia and China.”

Zuckerman concluded with a recommendation directed at former President Trump:

“My suggestion for Trump is that he should work with democratic allies in Europe and move forward together—not separate,” said the former U.S. ambassador.