Theo Francken has said his statement should be seen in the context of NATO’s deterrence doctrine
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has sought to clarify his statement that NATO could “wipe Moscow off the map,” insisting it was made in the context of the bloc’s principle of deterrence. Moscow condemned his “irresponsible” rhetoric as an example of “military psychosis.”
Francken posted his comments on Thursday on social media, also sharing a screenshot of an X post by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who mocked him online and congratulated Russia’s “friends” on the successful test of the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone.
In his post, Francken said NATO “is not at war with Russia and has no desire to be,” describing the US-led military bloc as “by definition a defensive alliance.” He added that NATO’s ‘strike back’ principle had been “undisputed for 76 years” and formed the foundation of the bloc’s deterrence posture.
“That’s what I meant in the… interview, and I don’t take back a single word,” he wrote.
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