Belgium's De Wever Calls for EU to Negotiate with Russia for Ukraine Peace

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has made a compelling case for the European Union (EU) to negotiate directly with Russia to facilitate peace in Ukraine. Speaking to the Belgian newspaper L’Echo, De Wever indicated that the EU currently lacks the necessary leverage to influence Moscow's actions, especially after failing to compel Russia to cease its military aggression in Ukraine.

De Wever discussed the limitations of the EU’s position, noting, "Since we are not capable of threatening [Russian President Vladimir] Putin by sending weapons to Ukraine, and we cannot choke him economically without the support of the United States, there is only one method left: making a deal." He emphasized that without a formal mandate to engage with Russia, Europe risks finding itself without a seat at the negotiation table, vulnerable to unfavorable terms imposed by external powers, notably the U.S.

The Prime Minister expressed concern that Washington's stance may not always align with the interests of Kyiv, suggesting that the U.S. could push for compromises that may not benefit Ukraine or its allies in Europe. He warned, "Without a mandate to go and negotiate in Moscow, we are not at the negotiating table where the Americans will push Ukraine to accept a deal. And I can already say that it will be a bad agreement for us."

De Wever's remarks resonate in the context of rising calls among several European leaders to restore dialogue with Moscow. Similar discussions have emerged from leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, who has sought renewed contact with Russia as part of a broader strategy to re-engage diplomatically.

While acknowledging Brussels' efforts to apply pressure on Russia through sanctions and military support to Ukraine—reportedly over €195 billion since the onset of the conflict—De Wever maintained that without direct engagements, the EU risks ceding pivotal roles in peace negotiations to other global players.

His call for action underscores a growing sentiment within Europe to establish a unified and strategic approach toward Russia, especially as the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold with significant geopolitical implications.