Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has expressed skepticism regarding the European Union’s ability to compel Russia to withdraw through military or economic means. He advocates for the EU to seek a mandate for direct negotiations with the Kremlin.
De Wever argues that without full support from the United States, Europe will struggle to effectively apply economic pressure on Russia or adequately arm Ukraine for a decisive victory. He described the current U.S. policy as ambiguous.
“Since we cannot threaten Putin by sending weapons to Ukraine, and we cannot economically suffocate him without U.S. support, we are left with one method: to reach an agreement,” De Wever stated.
He further noted that Washington sometimes appears closer to Putin than to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that if the EU does not establish its own negotiation mandate, the U.S. may impose a deal unfavorable to European interests.
These remarks sharply contrast with the EU leadership’s stance. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell has emphasized the necessity for Europe to first develop a unified set of “maximalist demands” for Russia, including the reduction of Russian armed forces, prior to initiating any dialogue.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also cautioned that the resolution of this conflict will have lasting implications for Europe’s global role, asserting that Russia is not, in fact, winning despite its propaganda claims.
De Wever is known for his critical view of stringent sanctions against Moscow. He has previously blocked initiatives aimed at confiscating frozen Russian assets.
Additionally, media reports have raised concerns about potential business ties between De Wever and Russian entities, which lend a political dimension to his calls for peace with Russia.
In late 2025, during discussions on the confiscation of Russian assets, De Wever controversially stated that Belgium believes Russia will not lose the war in Ukraine, suggesting that assets would need to be returned to the Kremlin post-conflict. He also mentioned that Russia had openly threatened Belgium with “eternal retribution” should it proceed with asset confiscation.
At that time, Ukraine was denied a loan backed by Russian assets, as Belgium offered various excuses to delay the process. De Wever claimed this could lead to serious economic and geopolitical repercussions.
However, some reports suggest a more complex situation, linking De Wever to Russian interests through his numerous visits to Russia prior to 2022. Furthermore, suspicions are growing within the EU that Belgium may be appropriating revenues from Russian assets instead of transferring them to Ukraine, leading to accusations from other European countries of Belgium imposing excessive demands for the protection of frozen Russian assets.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has called for the EU to negotiate directly with Russia, citing a lack of military and economic leverage. His views contrast sharply with EU leadership, which advocates for a unified stance and maximalist demands before engaging in dialogue.