Theo Francken: “America alone—that’s the fall of an empire”

In the Terzake studio, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken offered a candid take on the state of international security—from the interception of Russian tankers off the coast of Scotland to mounting diplomatic tensions over Greenland. “The only one drinking champagne right now is Vladimir Putin in Moscow,” he said. “He’s thinking: ‘Look at the chaos inside NATO.’”

On Russia’s “shadow fleet”

The recent interception of the Russian oil tanker Bella-1 (or Marinera) by the US Navy marks a new chapter in growing maritime tensions. “That shadow fleet is a thorn in the side,” the minister stated bluntly. “They may sail under foreign flags, but these are Russian vessels—spy ships, tankers carrying gas or oil, and sometimes personnel, intelligence, troops, or equipment.”

Francken suspects the ship’s cargo involves more than what the official paperwork claims. He pointed to links with Hezbollah, Iran, and Venezuela: “It would surprise me if this were just about oil. If it’s actually a Hezbollah asset, then there’s likely a lot more going on.” To him, it’s part of a larger, coordinated system of hostile actors—one that the United States is gradually exposing.

The American backstop in Ukraine

As for the future of Ukraine and America’s role in it, Francken remains confident in US commitment. Despite the rhetoric coming from Donald Trump, the minister believes firmly in what he calls the American backstop. “I’m convinced of it,” he said about the reliability of the United States.

He stresses that such backing is vital for any future peacekeeping or stabilization force: “America will enable our troops and the stabilization mission by providing intelligence, logistics, and critical capabilities that we simply don’t have.” His message to the Kremlin is clear: “This sends Moscow a strong signal—don’t even think about it, or there will be consequences.”

Belgium’s role

Francken openly admits that Belgium is playing catch-up when it comes to defence. He recalled the clear mandate he received from Bart De Wever, president of his party: “Do two things: rebuild our military strength and support Ukraine.”

Belgium is part of the Coalition of the Willing, but there are no Belgian boots on the ground in active combat zones. The focus is on air and naval power, as well as specific land units for post-conflict stabilization.
Francken is cautious about revealing too much: “Why should we hand that kind of intel to Russia? I understand people want transparency, but we always have to ask: at what point does it endanger our own troops?”

The Greenland dilemma

One issue that hits close to home for Francken is American pressure on Denmark over Greenland. As a staunch Atlanticist, he takes it personally: “My heart bleeds,” he admitted. “Especially because Denmark is one of our most loyal allies.”

He also faces criticism from the left-wing opposition for Europe’s weak geopolitical posture—but places the blame elsewhere: “Why is that the case? Because of decades of underinvestment in defence. The first real turnaround only came under then-Minister Steven Vandeput.”

Francken believes the only one who benefits from such divisions is Putin: “The only one raising a glass in celebration is sitting in the Kremlin. He’s thinking, ‘Look at them tearing each other apart in NATO.’” He issued a warning to the US: “America First—I can understand that policy. But America Alone? That’s how empires fall.”