The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with €500 million in additional military aid, with a focus on strengthening the country's air defences. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten made the announcement at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Netherlands, according to European Pravda.
Jetten said the package includes air defence systems and drones. The equipment is meant to help Ukraine fend off continuous Russian air strikes as winter approaches.
The Dutch leader described the support as urgently needed, noting that Russia has stepped up its attacks on civilian targets and critical infrastructure. He added that there are currently no signs Moscow is prepared to end what he called terror, and he urged Ukraine's allies to boost their own support before the cold season begins.
Zelenskyy thanked Jetten and the Dutch government for the pledge, which he said should help Ukraine counter Russian ballistic attacks. He pointed to a specific gap in his country's defences. "The physical shortage we have right now is missiles, anti-ballistic missiles to intercept Russian ballistic targets," he said.
According to the Ukrainian president, Russia is placing a key emphasis on ballistic weapons in this war, especially ahead of winter. He argued that European and American partners have the resources needed to help Ukraine withstand such air attacks, and he called on allies not to delay deliveries of air defence systems.
The announcement comes alongside other Dutch commitments. The Netherlands is allocating €1.2 billion in non-military aid to Ukraine over the next three years. That money is intended to support recovery and reconstruction, and also to open up more opportunities for Dutch businesses.
It was also reported that the Netherlands will contribute €10 million to the Industrial Ramstein initiative for Ukraine.
