In an interview with VRT News, the Belgian Army’s Chief of Staff Admiral Michel Hofman warns of a war with Russia. He points to the fact that the country has switched to a war economy and that President Putin’s tone continues to be threatening. Admiral Hofman told VRT News’ defence editor Jens Franssen that "Europe urgently needs to prepare and make it clear that it can defend itself”.
Foreign News
Belgian army chief warns of war with Russia: “Europe must urgently prepare”
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The army chief is currently visiting the Belgian troops that are stationed in Romania to help guard NATO's eastern border. Until recently, a war with Russia was unthinkable, but Russia’s tone continues to be threatening and the country continues to rearm.
"We see that Russia has switched to a war economy. I think we would be right to be worried. The language used by the Kremlin and by President Vladimir Putin is always ambiguous. It is by no means out of the question that they might open a second front at some time in the future. Either in the south, in Moldova or the Baltic States", Admiral Hofman said.
Moldova borders Ukraine. Part of the country, the Transnistria region, is already partly occupied by Russian troops. The country itself has long been concerned that it could possibly become the next Russian target. The country's pro-Western government is therefore increasingly seeking rapprochement with the European Union and NATO. The Baltic States are also worried. Unlike Moldova, the three countries do already belong to the NATO alliance. That would normally protect them from a Russian attack, as an attack on one ally is an attack on the whole of NATO.
Lingering war in Ukraine
Russia seems weakened by the ongoing war in Ukraine, yet Hofman says this will only be temporary. "Russia will eventually regenerate its war machine and rebuild its armed forces", Admiral Hofman said.
"They have already shown that they have the will to attack a neighbour. We have to see that we have the capacity to prevent this happening again and show the will that we are prepared to counterattack if necessary."
But should we be concerned about what Admiral Hofman has said and is there a direct threat to us here in Belgium? Jens Franssen reassures “The army chief is actually saying that Russia appears to be preparing for more than just a war in Ukraine and that President Putin continues to pose a threat”. Not directly towards Brussels, but to the Baltic States and Moldova. We cannot rule out Russia opening a new front in a few years' time."