A Romanian hard-right NATO critic and leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu appeared in dead heat after the first round of presidential elections on Sunday, partial tallies showed, in a shock result threatening Romania's staunchly pro-Ukraine stance.

The Romanian presidential elections have resulted in an unexpected scenario with hard-right NATO critic Calin Georgescu and leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu neck-and-neck. Georgescu's unexpected rise challenges Romania's pro-Ukraine stance as voters focus on economic issues and security amid tensions with Russia.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, of the Social Democratic Party is runing neck and neck with a pro-Russia candidate in the first round of the presidential election, according to early ballot counts.