Belgium's leaders clash over Russia policy amid Ukraine war tensions
Belgium's leaders are divided over how to handle relations with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has pushed for direct talks with Moscow, while Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib insists that easing pressure would weaken Europe's stance. The debate comes as Belgium resists EU plans to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction.
In March 2026, Prime Minister De Croo argued that Europe's current approach—military aid for Ukraine alongside economic sanctions on Russia—cannot continue without US support. He admitted that fully isolating Russia economically was unfeasible and called for negotiations to end the war. De Croo also highlighted the need to restore access to affordable energy, a key concern for European industries.
Foreign Minister Lahbib strongly opposed this position. She warned that reopening dialogue without maintaining pressure would signal European weakness and damage unity. Lahbib stressed that economic sanctions must stay in place to ensure any future talks with Moscow are credible. The disagreement extends to EU policy. Belgium recently blocked a proposal to raise €90 billion from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery. This move reflects deeper divisions over how to balance long-term security with immediate economic concerns.
The clash between De Croo and Lahbib underscores Europe's struggle to find a unified strategy on Russia. Without US backing, the EU faces limits on both military funding and economic sanctions. Belgium's resistance to using Russian assets further complicates efforts to support Ukraine's reconstruction.
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