Belgium PMurges Europe to normalize with Russia for affordable energy
Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever advocates Europe negotiate with Russia to restore affordable energy supplies, stating "We are losing on all fronts; we must conclude the conflict in the interest of Europe." He argues normalization is necessary despite private agreement among European leaders, noting "100% US support" would be required to bring Russia to submission. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot immediately distanced himself, calling Russia's demands maximalist and warning normalization would appear as weakness. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Késtutis Budrys referenced Russia's 2021 demands (removing NATO troops from Eastern Europe) as evidence normalization would undermine European unity.