Belgian Defense Minister Explains Why The Kremlin Opened A “Western Front” Of Hybrid Attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategic goals in Ukraine have not been met, and Moscow is now waging a large-scale hybrid war against European countries, according to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. The Kremlin has intensified disinformation campaigns on social media, employed bot farms, and threatened European businesses to influence EU elections and sway public opinion against Ukraine.

In an interview with Ukrinform, Francken highlighted that Russia is creating a "Western Front" and is pressuring the West to turn public opinion against Ukraine. Despite Russia's repeated attempts to divide Europe, the Belgian minister believes that Moscow has miscalculated again.

Francken emphasized that Russia's strategy of splitting Europe and questioning its resolve to support Ukraine is misguided. Russia has been under this misconception for the past four years, and NATO has not fallen apart as expected during the Trump administration. The minister noted that Russia's perception of Europe as weak and in decline is incorrect, as opinion polls and conversations with citizens show that support for Ukraine remains high among Europeans.

Francken also pointed out that despite his right-wing political views, he has strong support from both left- and right-wing followers, and there has been no criticism from any side for continuing to provide aid to Ukraine. The EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Maternová, confirmed that the delegation and European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine have no intention of leaving Kyiv due to Russian shelling. Several European embassies have also pledged their readiness to remain in the Ukrainian capital.