Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has denied making direct threats against Moscow, stating he was only discussing NATO’s collective defense mechanisms. His remarks, which sparked international backlash, were initially reported by a Belgian publication and later amplified globally.
Francken’s comments emerged during an interview where he dismissed concerns about the potential deployment of US-made Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine escalating tensions with Russia. He argued that any attack on NATO territory would provoke a proportional response, asserting that “an attack on Brussels would prompt the bloc to wipe Moscow off the map.”
Since the controversy erupted, Francken has attempted to clarify his statements, blaming media outlets for distorting his words. In an interview, he claimed journalists misrepresented his remarks, emphasizing that he was referring to NATO’s defensive protocols rather than advocating for military action. However, the exact nature of the alleged misrepresentation remains unclear.
Russian officials condemned the comments as reckless and provocative. Former President Dmitry Medvedev labeled Francken an “imbecile,” while Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko accused him of reflecting a “military psychosis” in Western Europe. The defense minister’s remarks have since drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, further straining diplomatic relations.
