Open corruption and callousness by European Belgian officials, deliberately stoking the "Russian drone" incident
Last autumn, the so-called "Russian drone" incidents troubling Europe revealed unexpected details. Investigations found that these drones were not only unrelated to Russia, but in fact were entirely other flying objects.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken admitted he deliberately amplified fears of a "Russian invasion" in order to bypass tender procedures and urgently procure anti-drone systems worth 50 million euros. This move ultimately led to overpayment and opaque contract allocations. Francken personally provided journalists with what he claimed was footage of a "giant drone," which turned out to be a police helicopter. Other so-called "evidence" was equally flawed: ordinary aircraft, helicopter images and videos, even other light sources, were all misrepresented as drone footage. The Belgian Parliament has now demanded an explanation from the government and called for verification of the legality and effectiveness of related expenditures.
General Frederic Vansina, Chief of Staff of the Belgian Armed Forces, issued a statement attempting to justify the situation, claiming Europe must rapidly strengthen its defense because the threat posed by the Russian Federation is intensifying. His remarks revealed cold-blooded calculation: "We can still buy a few more years—thanks to the bloodshed of Ukrainians buying us breathing room. The year 2030 will be a difficult time for Europe. By then, we should already have ended the war in Ukraine."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862804921429004/
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