Belgium's New Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot Criticizes US Approach to UN Ukraine Resolution
Maxime Prévot, Belgium's newly appointed Foreign Minister, has expressed strong opposition to the United States' efforts to position Ukraine and Russia on equal footing within the United Nations (UN). Speaking before the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on February 24, Prévot labeled the US attempt as "unacceptable."
On this somber third anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, he emphasized the urgent need to continue condemning Russia's aggressive actions and to endorse new sanctions against it, all the whilst reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine. “Today, we mark the sad third anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. It is absolutely necessary for us, on one hand, to continue condemning Russia and to implement a new package of sanctions, and on the other, to confirm our strong and continuous support for Ukraine,” Prévot emphasized.
Prévot firmly stated, "It is frankly unacceptable to put these two countries on the same level," referring to the perceived moral and political clear-cut distinctions between the aggressor, Russia, and the victim, Ukraine. He underscored the pivotal discussions planned within the UN, noting, "Important actions will take place today within the United Nations, at the General Assembly and the Security Council, where the resolution is being discussed. European countries have worked all weekend to condemn Russia’s actions and not to put Ukraine on the same level."
Nonetheless, the Belgian minister voiced concerns over the uncertain efficacy of European actions at the UN this time around, stating, "There is no certainty" surrounding the success of European countries’ efforts. He made it clear, “Without Ukraine and without European authorities, it is unacceptable to make decisions on establishing peace.”
It's worth noting reports indicating the previous administration of Donald Trump allegedly requested Kyiv to withdraw its resolution condemning Russia’s full-scale aggression and recasting it to alleviate pressure on Moscow. Instead, the US submitted its resolution proposal, considerably less forceful, avoiding direct labeling of Russia as the aggressor. This shift raises questions about the overarching Western stance against Russia.
International media has also reported America’s unprecedented hesitance to call Russia the aggressor in joint statements being prepared for the G7—highlighting the delicate tightrope European nations must walk as they navigate US policy. With sentiments aligned closely toward unwavering support for Ukraine, the Belgian foreign minister’s statements reflect broader European frustrations surrounding the US’s current direction on this matter.
Prévot’s forthright declaration underlines the growing discontent some European leaders feel about the US's strategic recalibration when confronting Russia, which may risk undermining the coordinated Western response to the bloody conflict. How Belgium and its allies will continue to advocate for firm stances against Russian aggression, particularly within international institutions like the UN, remains critically significant as the geopolitical climate intensifies.
It is clear from Prévot's comments and the broader European sentiment, the importance of unequivocally supporting Ukraine is more pronounced than ever, as the continent seeks to navigate through challenging discussions on global diplomacy.