The Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church Discussed the Issue of Peace in Ukraine with U.S. Officials

On September 17, 2026, in Bucharest, Patriarch Daniel of Romania met with Riley Barnes, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. The parties discussed the current geopolitical situation and issues related to the protection of human rights in various regions of the world.

According to , the Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, U.S. Ambassador to Romania Darryl Nirenberg and representatives of the U.S. Department of State also participated in the talks. During the conversation, special attention was paid to the armed conflict taking place in Ukraine, in close proximity to Romania’s borders.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized that the Romanian Orthodox Church ceaselessly offers prayers for peace throughout the world. The Primate expressed hope for a “wise, just, and long-term solution” to the military conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the Patriarch spoke in detail about the Church’s humanitarian activities, noting its efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees, who are receiving comprehensive spiritual and material support.