Bart De Wever, the President of the N-VA and Mayor of Antwerp, has clarified his position on relations with Russia following criticism of his recent comments. He stated that normalization of ties with Moscow is only conceivable after a peace agreement that is acceptable to both Ukraine and the European Union.
De Wever's initial remarks, made in a media interview, sparked reactions from political opponents and Ukrainian officials who interpreted them as premature or overly conciliatory. The clarification aims to align his stance with the broader EU consensus, which conditions any future relationship on a just peace based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Current EU policy, reinforced as of early 2026, maintains extensive sanctions against Russia and provides sustained military and financial support to Ukraine. Diplomatic sources confirm there is no discussion within EU institutions about normalizing relations while active conflict continues on Ukrainian soil.
The incident highlights ongoing debates within European politics regarding the long-term strategy toward Russia, balancing diplomatic channels with unwavering support for Kyiv. De Wever's party, the N-VA, remains part of the Flemish government coalition, and his statements are closely watched for their potential domestic and international implications.
