Belgium PM sparks debate with call for possible Russia-Ukraine deal

Belgium’s prime minister, Bart De Wever, has sparked political debate after suggesting that a negotiated “deal” may be the only realistic way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

In interviews with several French-language newspapers, De Wever argued that Europe cannot defeat Russian president Vladimir Putin militarily by sending weapons to Ukraine, and cannot fully isolate Russia economically without stronger support from the United States. Because of this, he said, negotiations may be necessary to stop the conflict.

The prime minister suggested that relations with Russia might eventually need to be normalised. He warned that Europe risks suffering economically while the war continues. He said cheaper energy supplies could be restored if relations improve.

However, he also stressed that Europe must remain cautious and continue strengthening its military defences.

The comments quickly drew criticism. Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, warned that talking about normalising relations with Russia too early could weaken European unity.

He said the current strategy of sanctions and military support aims to create the right conditions for credible negotiations, in which Ukraine can decide its own future. “The door to dialogue must remain open,” he said, “but normalisation with Russia is not for tomorrow.”

The remarks have also caused debate among Belgium’s coalition parties. Some politicians argue that peace talks can only happen once Russian aggression stops.

”The door to dialogue must remain open, but normalisation with Russia is not for tomorrow.”

De Wever made the comments while promoting the French edition of his book Over Welvaart (Prospérité). In the interviews, he also spoke about Belgium’s economic challenges and the need for further budget reforms.

According to the prime minister, the government must take difficult financial decisions early in its term. A monitoring committee is expected to warn next week that Belgium’s public finances are slipping off track. This would mean the government might need to adjust the 2026 budget and prepare tougher measures for the 2027 budget.

De Wever said that adding €3-4 billion in structural savings during the current legislature could help address a gap of around €11 billion forecast by the National Bank of Belgium by 2029.

He also suggested that higher taxes on the wealthy could be considered in the future, but argued that economic reforms should first create better conditions for business growth and wealth creation.

^{PM Bart De Wever ©BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER}