Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken used a sharp phrase in an interview, after which Moscow denounced the comment as provocative and irresponsible.
Interview Sparks Controversy
In a piece for Humo.be and De Morgen, Francken was asked whether he feared a nuclear missile attack on Brussels. He replied that if such a threat materialised, Belgium would “level Moscow with earth”. He also doubted that Russia would launch a nuclear strike and cited concerns over the Federation’s potential hybrid actions, including rumored “grey‑zone” activities in Estonia.
Minister Calls Out Of‑Context Claim
Weeks later, Francken posted on social media that the phrase “level Moscow with earth” had been taken out of context. He noted that Vlaams Belang’s reaction—labeling him a war‑promoter—was predictable, and emphasised that his remarks were far more nuanced than the headline suggested.
Rising Tensions With Moscow
Russia’s embassy in Belgium condemned Francken’s interview as “provocative and irresponsible”. It highlighted the minister’s statements as an embodiment of European militarism and warned that such rhetoric could drag the continent toward a new war.