Belgium's Federal Government is considering the delivery of heavy-duty weapons, such as armoured vehicles or artillery, to Ukraine, as well as the deployment of forensic experts to investigate Russian war crimes.
The first discussions took place on Wednesday afternoon, but no official decision was made. Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder and the 'core cabinet' – consisting of the Prime Minister and deputy prime ministers – will meet again on Friday, when a final decision is expected to be made, reports Belga News Agency.
"It is clear that the conflict in Ukraine has entered a new phase with the offensive in the Donbas region," the cabinet of Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told De Morgen.
"Belgium remains in solidarity with Ukraine and is looking at how it can continue to assist," a spokesperson said. “In addition to military and humanitarian aspects, we are also looking at how our country can support the investigation into war crimes at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, including through the use of Belgian forensic expertise."
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At the end of February, Belgium already sent more than 3,000 automatic weapons, 200 anti-tank weapons and 3,800 tons of fuel to Ukraine. Following Russia's aggression in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, however, Belgium is looking into providing more heavy-duty military equipment.
For a few weeks now, Ukraine has been demanding for more heavy weapons to counter Russia's attacks in the east of the country. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the countries that do not supply arms and ammunition to Ukraine "should know that the outcome of this battle also depends on them."
In a video speech on Tuesday night, Zelenskyy said that if his forces had had access to better weapons, "we would have already ended this war." He also stressed it is "the moral duty" of countries that have weapons and/or ammunition that Ukraine needs, "to help protect freedom and save the lives of thousands of Ukrainians."
Collaboration with Western allies
In the meantime, the atrocities committed by the Russian army – including in Bucha – have resulted in a growing number of Western countries being prepared to answer Zelenskyy's call.
Sending fighter planes and spare parts, the United States is leading the way, but Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway and the Baltic States also stated that they would contribute by sending more weapons.
On Tuesday, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also announced that he is sending "heavier equipment" to Ukraine, including armoured vehicles, report local media. Due to "operational security," however, the Netherlands will not provide any further explanation about the nature of the military support.
Rutte also made it clear that he wanted to set up a collaboration with Western allies. On Tuesday afternoon, he already met with Belgian Prime Minister De Croo during a summit.
