**Belgium's Prime Minister Pushes for Improved EU Relations with Russia** In a surprise move, Belgium's Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, has called for the European Union (EU) to reevaluate and normalize its ties with Russia. This proposal has sparked intense debate within the EU, particularly regarding the bloc's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As the global energy crisis continues to bite, De Wever has suggested that the EU's strict stance on Russia could be impacting energy prices, which have become a major concern for many European countries, including Nigeria's former colonial master, Belgium, and many other countries in Africa who rely heavily on imported petroleum products. De Wever, a right-wing nationalist, has argued that the EU's full support for Ukraine in its quest for independence from Russia may have come at a high cost – higher energy prices. He believes that a more pragmatic approach towards Russia could lead to lower energy prices and a more stable supply chain. However, De Wever's proposal has been met with skepticism by many EU leaders, who argue that Russia's aggression towards Ukraine cannot be ignored. They stress that the EU's support for Ukraine is a matter of principle and a commitment to upholding international law. The EU's stance on Russia has been a topic of discussion for years, with some member states calling for a more nuanced approach, while others demand a firm stance against Russian aggression. This debate has significant implications for the energy sector, as Russia is a major supplier of natural gas to Europe. In Nigeria, where the energy sector is dominated by state-owned oil companies, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the issue of energy security is a major concern. The country's reliance on imported petroleum products has made it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, De Wever's proposal serves as a reminder that the EU's stance on Russia has far-reaching consequences for energy prices and global stability. While some may see De Wever's proposal as a pragmatic approach to solving the energy crisis, others view it as a betrayal of Ukraine's sovereignty.