Russia summons Belgian ambassador over threat statements

Russia's Foreign Ministry reported on October 13 that it had summoned Belgian Ambassador Michel Gherbetzoff. The diplomat was given Moscow's objections to Belgian officials' statements about Russian threats to Belgium and Europe.

The ministry said it rejected claims of hybrid, sabotage and direct military threats, describing them as unsupported by evidence. That is the Russian ministry's position, rather than an independent finding on the substance or basis of all Belgian statements.

The ministry also argued that comments by some Belgian officials were increasing tension and creating a risk of further escalation. It called on Belgium to consider the consequences of that rhetoric and reduce its intensity.

The statement did not identify concrete measures agreed by the two sides after the meeting. It also did not provide the ambassador's response to the objections conveyed to him.