What role for Belgium in Ukraine? Here is what was decided at the National Security Council
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo spoke first and recalled that “at no time has NATO been a threat to Moscow. We have never opposed Russia and NATO is – and remains – a defense mechanism. We are also working on the military aspect. We hope for the best but we prepare for the worst. Our support for NATO is unconditional.”
Sophie Wilmès, Minister of Foreign Affairs, then announced the sanctions taken against Russia and supported by Belgium. They target individuals involved in Russian maneuvers, banks that finance Russia’s military actions, and the ability to borrow on European capital markets. “We also decided that there would be no trade between the European Union and the separatist territories,” announced the liberal.
It is currently still possible to leave Ukraine by road, air or rail. “I ask the Belgians to respect the instructions that we will give. When Belgians are told not to go to Ukraine or to leave the territory, it is important to follow the instructions”, insisted the minister. “Our embassy in Kiev is open and staffed with the essentials. That is to say three diplomats, and it is even reinforced by two other agents. There is no transfer of our embassy at this stage, but the situation It is a necessity to provide assistance to the Belgians, but also a strong symbol for the Ukrainians”, insists Sophie Wilmès.
Ludivine Dedonder, Minister of Defence, revealed that the Russian troops are “ready for combat”: “This is an unprecedented situation since the end of the Cold War and despite the calls for dialogue, for de-escalation, we can only noted the worrying development of recent days. We are talking about nearly 190,000 men amassed at the borders”, detailed the Minister of Defence.
As part of the deployment of our rapid reaction force, the Belgian army can mobilize several hundred men in a very short time, as well as naval, air and land capabilities to ensure NATO’s security. The government will respond favorably to the Ukrainians’ request for defense equipment. That is to say helmets and observation equipment, for example. Is defense material? “The request made by Ukraine is very broad, and is addressed to several countries”, replies the Prime Minister. “We have analyzed it, and in the current situation, we must be able to ensure our defense and that of NATO. As far as we are concerned, it will therefore only be protective equipment.”