Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken has categorically rejected the steps proposed by the US to achieve peace in Ukraine, local media reported, BTA reports.
Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Ukraine would not be able to join NATO or restore its pre-2014 borders. He also allowed the deployment of peacekeeping forces, which, however, would not be protected by Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.
Franken described this as a partial victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to him, the proposed conditions are a “real bomb” and serve Moscow's interests. The Belgian minister expressed concerns that if Russia achieves its goals in Ukraine, it could target Moldova, Georgia and even the Baltic states.
Despite his criticism, Franken did not rule out the possibility of Belgium participating in an international peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine. "We want peace and, if Ukraine accepts an agreement under international supervision, we will consider the possibility of participating," he said.