Trending Now - Belgian PM Faces Backlash for Suggesting Improved Russia Relations

WHO:

Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium

Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Foreign Minister

Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister

Dan Jørgensen, EU Energy Commissioner

WHAT:

Bart De Wever called for the normalisation of relations with Russia to re-establish cheap energy supplies.

De Wever stated, “We are losing on all fronts, we must end the conflict in Europe’s interest.”

De Wever mentioned that bringing Russia to its knees would require “100% support from the United States.”

Maxime Prévot criticized De Wever’s comments, stating that easing pressure would be “giving Putin exactly what he wants.”

EU leaders agreed to take out a €90 billion (£78 billion) loan to fund Ukraine’s war effort.

WHERE:

Belgium

Lithuania

European Union

WHEN:

De Wever made his comments on Saturday, March 14th, 2026.

The EU agreed in December 2022 to phase out all Russian gas by November 2027.

The EU reiterated a target to end Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

WHY:

De Wever believes that normalising relations with Russia is necessary for cheap energy access.

Prévot argues that Russia's refusal to allow European participation at the negotiating table is a barrier to normalisation.

HOW:

De Wever suggested that private European leaders agree with his stance but are afraid to voice it publicly.

Kęstutis Budrys indicated that Europe should leverage Russian frozen assets in negotiations with Russia.

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 23:14 UTC)

In a significant development, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever has called for the normalization of relations with Russia to restore access to cheap energy, stating that "we are losing on all fronts" and emphasizing the need for U.S. support to bring Russia to its knees. His comments, made last Saturday, drew criticism from Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who argued that easing pressure on Russia would simply give President Putin what he wants. Meanwhile, EU leaders have agreed to a €90 billion loan to support Ukraine's war effort, while also reaffirming their commitment to phase out Russian gas and oil imports by the end of 2027.