Russia summons Belgian ambassador over what it calls increasingly "anti-Russian" rhetoric from Belgian officials

Russia's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it summoned Belgian Ambassador Michel Gerebtzoff over what Moscow described as increasingly frequent statements by Belgian officials portraying Russia as a growing threat to Belgium and Europe.

The ministry said it rejected what it called "unsubstantiated" claims about hybrid, subversive and direct military threats allegedly posed by Russia.

Moscow said statements by Belgian officials presenting Russia as an enemy risk further escalating tensions and allowing the confrontation to spiral out of control.

The ministry urged Belgium to consider the consequences of such remarks and "tone down its anti-Russian rhetoric."

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said late last month that Europe should prepare for further Russian "hybrid attacks" and described Russia as the greatest threat to the security of Belgium and Europe.