EU's Kaja Kallas Rejects Belgian PM's Plea for Russian Energy Normalization

Kaja Kallas, EU's foreign policy chief, opposed Belgian PM Bart De Wever's proposal to normalize ties with Moscow for cheaper energy, citing the need for caution against returning to regular relations. De Wever's remarks contradict EU's stance on Russia's actions in Ukraine and were met with internal criticism.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, has firmly opposed a suggestion by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to restore ties with Moscow in pursuit of cheaper Russian energy. De Wever's remarks were revealed in a weekend interview with Belgian newspaper L'Echo, where he claimed European leaders privately concurred with his stance.

Kallas, speaking in Brussels, expressed her disagreement, stressing the need for caution against reverting to typical relations with Russia. She cited her experiences in closed-door leaders' meetings, indicating a lack of consensus for De Wever's proposal. The Estonian former prime minister warned that Russia's ambitions could escalate if appeased.

The Belgian PM's comments, which stand in contrast to EU's official policies following Russia's Ukraine incursion, have drawn criticism within his government. De Wever later clarified his position, asserting that normalization should only occur after reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine.