Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has stated that "there is no negotiating with Putin" following the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
De Croo's remarks came during a visit to Warsaw with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where the two leaders met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
From the perspective of the Belgian leader, Navalny's death has only highlighted what Europe already knew: "Putin cannot be trusted and negotiations with him are not viable."
Both De Croo and von der Leyen addressed the issue of disinformation disseminated by Russia in Europe. The Commission chief accused Putin of "poisoning public debates across Europe by spreading lies and creating divisions within societies and between neighbours."
She also confirmed her support for the recent French-German-Polish initiative to combat Russian disinformation. "We must identify these attempts by Russia to counteract the lies," she said.
During the meeting, the European Commission also announced it will release €137 billion of blocked funds to Poland starting next week after the country showed improvements under its new government.
The EU has just ratified its thirteenth round of sanctions against Russia as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
De Croo and Von der Leyen will also visit the EU coastguard Frontex's headquarters while in Warsaw.
