Bucharest Nine countries call for increased US military presence in region

This was stated by Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu after talks with the foreign ministers of the Bucharest Nine, BBC reports.

"We need to work on increasing the US presence in our region on the eastern flank in terms of troops and equipment," said Aurescu.

The alliance includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

"If we have a reliable defence, we will be able to deter Russia's destabilising and assertive behaviour," Aurescu said. "This is the only language that Russia understands.

Following the talks in the Polish city of Lodz, the ministers also promised further support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

"The countries of the Bucharest Nine are leaders, including in terms of mobilising allies for bolder actions, as was the case with the deployment of MiG-29 fighters or tanks," said Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

• Reuters reports that on April 3, the United States will announce a new military aid package for Ukraine.