Russia fires at NATO nation’s ‘wipe Moscow off map’ remark, slams ‘atmosphere of military psychosis’

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken issued a stark warning that NATO would “wipe Moscow off the map” if Russia attacked Brussels, insisting any nuclear or conventional strike would trigger a devastating allied response. Francken made the remarks after Russia’s new missile test and amid growing NATO-Russia tension, defending U.S. leadership and Article 5 commitments under Trump while criticizing Kremlin threats as “military psychosis.” Moscow condemned Francken’s statement as “provocative and irresponsible,” reflecting deepening East-West hostility amid ongoing Ukraine and nuclear standoffs.