(MENAFN) Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken issued a stern warning Monday, saying any Russian missile strike on Brussels would provoke a decisive NATO response. “If Putin launches a missile at Brussels, we will wipe Moscow off the map,” Francken told De Morgen, stressing NATO’s collective defense obligations.

He dismissed doubts about the US commitment under President Trump, noting America’s pledge to fully support its NATO allies. Francken also cautioned against underestimating Russia’s military, highlighting its significant ammunition production compared with NATO and the ongoing Russian struggle in Ukraine.

Looking ahead, he warned of potential Russian-Chinese coordination, with China supporting Russia’s war efforts, but considered a direct attack on NATO member states like the Baltic countries unlikely due to NATO’s growing military capabilities, including the upcoming deployment of F-35 jets in Europe.

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