Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that NATO would “flatten Moscow” if Russia were to attack Brussels, signaling a firm stance on European security.
In an interview with De Morgen, Francken addressed key strategic issues, including the war in Ukraine, European defense, hybrid warfare, and nuclear deterrence.
Asked whether he feared Russian President Vladimir Putin might launch a conventional missile strike on Brussels, Francken replied: “No, because then he would hit the heart of NATO, and we would flatten Moscow.“
He also expressed strong support for U.S. leadership within NATO and emphasized his confidence in Article 5, the mutual defense clause that underpins the alliance.
Responding to questions about whether former U.S. President Donald Trump would honor Article 5, Francken said: “Of course he would. There is significant bias in Europe against the U.S. government. Why wouldn’t he honor Article 5?“
Francken noted that his greatest concern is Russia’s use of hybrid warfare rather than the threat of conventional attacks, underlining the evolving nature of security threats in Europe.
