“There was a very broad demand, which did not only concern Belgium. The analysis was done to see what material might be delivered and used quickly, and what material we wouldn’t need. We must be sure that our defense capability will be guaranteed within NATO,” explained Mr. De Croo during a press conference following a National Security Council devoted to Ukraine late Wednesday followingnoon. Military assistance will also translate into the provision of the Military Hospital for severe burns and the provision of first aid before the transfer of wounded to other hospitals. Civilian material will be sent via B-Fast (tents, hygiene kits, blankets, etc.). Like other European countries, Belgium has decided to maintain its embassy in Kiev “at this stage”. Three diplomats are there, reinforced by two Foreign Affairs agents “to prepare for the crisis”. “It is a necessity in order to best provide assistance to the Belgians, but also a strong symbol of support for the Ukrainians,” underlined Mrs. Wilmès. Currently, 223 Belgians and their families are in Ukraine, and 50 of them have announced that they will leave the country. Twenty Luxembourgers are also under the responsibility of Belgium. The head of diplomacy recalled the negative travel advice concerning Ukraine and the recommendation made to Belgians who would be there to leave the country. Two air connections are still provided per week between Charleroi and the Ukrainian capital. “But that can change quickly,” she said. “These are opinions that should be taken seriously. An evacuation from Ukraine is not guaranteed”. Belgium is fully in line with the European sanctions decided on Tuesday and, on the military level, is placed on high alert with reduced reaction times. “Our support for NATO is unconditional,” assured Mr. De Croo. Currently, Belgian F-16s are in Estonia to provide air policing for the Baltic countries within the framework of NATO. Several hundred men can be mobilized in a very short time, as well as other land, naval and air resources, said Ms. Dedonder without giving any details on these resources. “It is the responsibility of Defense to prepare for a possible worsening of the crisis,” she added. Belgium is preparing for the “blackest scenario”, in the words of the Prime Minister, namely a massive invasion of Ukraine by armed troops who would go as far as Kiev. Some 190,000 Russian soldiers have been identified, equipped with heavy equipment. “We can therefore say that they are ready for combat despite the Russian announcement of a withdrawal of troops that we have not seen on the ground,” remarked Ms. Dedonder. The Prime Minister insisted on Russian responsibility in the current escalation. “This is a Russian aggression. In 70 years of existence, NATO has never been a threat to Russia. NATO is a defense organization. It is true that it widened towards the East but it was at the request of sovereign countries which wanted to benefit from mutual defence”, he affirmed.
Sophie Wilmès summoned the Russian ambassador
Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès summoned the Russian ambassador in Brussels, Alexandre Tokovinin, on Wednesday to express to him Belgium’s condemnation of Russia’s recognition of the separatist territories of Donetsk and Luhansk and to ask to return on this decision. “By this act, Russia has made the deliberate choice to violate international law, the Minsk Agreements and to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” said the minister in a statement sent following the interview. “Belgium calls on Russia for military de-escalation which must be translated concretely on the ground,” she said. The Minister also discussed the sanctions decided by the European Union. She specified “that it was indeed a first set of sanctions which might be reinforced according to the evolution of the situation”. “The path of diplomacy remains open,” added Ms. Wilmès. “Belgium now expects actions from Russia rather than intentions; which testify to its sincere commitment to de-escalation and the search for peaceful solutions to current tensions”.