The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Belgian ambassador to Moscow, Michel Gerebtzoff (pictured left), over “anti-Russian statements” made by the Belgian authorities, the Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing the ministry.
Moscow has informed the Belgian ambassador that Russia “categorically rejects” the “unfounded and increasingly frequent claims” made by Belgian military and political leaders regarding growing hybrid threats, sabotage and direct military threats allegedly originating from Russia.
According to the ministry, the “openly aggressive statements” by certain representatives of the Belgian authorities, “who deliberately portray Russia as an enemy”, are contributing to a further escalation. “There is a risk that the confrontation could spiral out of control as a result,” the statement added.
“The Belgian side is called upon to reflect on the consequences of such statements and to tone down the anti-Russian rhetoric, which is fuelling tensions on the European continent,” the ministry concludes.
The federal government has declined to comment on the news.