Nicușor Dan, interview with the conservative press in the US: "I don't believe that Russia is ready to sit at the table of dialogue." In what way does he say that Trump is right?

Nicușor Dan, interview with the conservative press in the US: "I don't think Russia is ready to sit at the negotiation table". In what way does he say Trump is right President Nicușor Dan stated on Wednesday, for the American television program Newsmax, that economic sanctions against Russia must continue, as Moscow is not ready to negotiate a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, reports the media institution on its website. At the same time, the head of state praised the diplomatic efforts of American President Donald Trump and said that he is right when he asks the European nations of NATO to assume greater responsibility for their own defense. Dan also spoke about the intensification of Russian drone incursions into Romania. In the "Wake Up America" show on the Newsmax TV channel, Nicușor Dan praised the diplomatic efforts of American President Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine, but also expressed skepticism about the availability of Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace agreement, he transmitted. "It is very good that the United States is involved in the attempt to bring peace to the war in Ukraine, because it affects the economy of the region and the global economy," he said. "But I don't think Russia is ready to sit at the negotiation table," Nicușor Dan continued. Dan's comments come in a context where the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after discussions held at the beginning of the week, with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Dan affirmed that Russia's economic difficulties underline the need to maintain pressure, while Washington pursues the achievement of progress through diplomatic means, notes Newsmax. "We know that Russia is suffering economically. I consider that we must continue to apply economic sanctions against them," the president added. Newsmax is considered one of the most influential conservative media channels in the United States. In July, Nicușor Dan published an opinion article on Newsmax.com. "Once again, President Trump is right" Dan also praised Trump's appeal for the European nations of NATO to assume greater responsibility for their own defense instead of relying heavily on the United States. "President Trump is right. The United States has helped Ukraine a lot and continues to do so," he declared. Dan acknowledged that the European countries have not contributed enough to collective defense, notes Newsmax. "Once again, President Trump is right," said Dan, adding that the European nations of NATO, including Romania, are aware of the need to increase defense spending. Currently, Romania allocates approximately 2.5% of its GDP to defense and intends to increase this percentage, specified Nicușor Dan. He also spoke about the ever-increasing threats to security along the border of Romania with Ukraine and in the Black Sea region, mentioning an intensification of Russian drone incursions into Romanian territory, writes Newsmax. According to data cited by American journalists during the interview, Romania has registered 35 unauthorized drone incursions since the beginning of this year, compared to nine in 2025. Dan stated that initially, Romania did not have adequate defense against these incursions, but it has consolidated its capabilities with the support of NATO allies. "At first we were not ready, but now we are well prepared," he said. Dan specified that Romania intercepted drones near the Danube border and improved its reaction capacity to incidents occurring over the Black Sea. Newsmax concludes by reminding that the Black Sea is strategically important because Ukraine relies on maritime transport routes from here to export grain and other goods.