Whatever the evolution of the crisis in Ukraine, the destabilization of the country by Russia “won’t stop” and the “intimidation towards NATO is irreversibleBelgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Saturday at the Munich security conference.
“Will Russia invade Ukraine? No one has a crystal ball, but what is certain is that Russia’s work of destabilizing Ukraine is there and will not go away. From the Russian point of view, Ukraine must be permanently destabilized“, said Mr. De Croo during a conversation with about 300 students and young professionals of the Amerika Haus.
The Russian attitude towards NATO is also clear, according to Alexander De Croo. “No one wants a war in Europe, but bullying NATO is irreversible“.
But where French President Emmanuel Macron saw an Alliance in a state of “brain death” few years ago, “today we see a more dynamic, united and relevant NATO than ever“, declared the Belgian Prime Minister.
NATO must demonstrate “strategic patience“vis-à-vis Moscow, again estimated Alexander De Croo. “Do not respond to provocations. Most wars start with crafted items, we gotta keep our cool and keep the pressure high“. The Belgian Prime Minister will always prefer “a relationship with Russia other than one governed by sanctions, but it’s difficult when Europe is bullied and facing hybrid warfare“.