Russia Issues Firm Response to Belgian Defense Minister's Claims

Moscow warns that Belgium's labeling of Russia as an enemy could push security tensions on the continent out of control.

Ambassador Arjan: Moscow warned that Belgium's introduction of Russia as an enemy could cause security tensions in the continent to get out of control.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it rejects growing accusations by Belgian military and political officials that there are hybrid, subversive and direct military threats from Russia.

The ministry warned that "hostile statements" that identify Russia as an "enemy" risk escalating tensions and causing the conflict to spiral out of control.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on Belgium to consider the consequences of such statements and "reduce its anti-Russian tone", as this approach would fuel tensions across Europe.

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Late last month, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken claimed that Europe must prepare for what he described as more "combined attacks" from Russia in the coming months, adding that the continent was facing a "dark winter".

Franken called Russia "the biggest threat" to the security of Belgium and Europe and called for the strengthening of European air defense systems.