During a phone conversation between Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, it was announced that the Netherlands will provide an additional €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, along with €400 million for the country's reconstruction efforts. President Zelensky shared this update on his Telegram account dated April 12, 2024.
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The Netherlands has made a series of contributions to Ukraine in the context of the conflict with Russia, including several YPR-765. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
"During our phone call, Prime Minister Mark Rutte informed me that the Netherlands had allocated an additional €1 billion for military aid to Ukraine, along with €400 million for reconstruction. This is in addition to the commitments outlined in our bilateral security agreement," conveyed Zelensky. Expressing gratitude towards Rutte and the Dutch people, Zelensky emphasized the significance of this support for Ukraine, labeling it as a commendable example of solidarity.
Furthermore, discussions between the two leaders also focused on collaborative efforts with international partners to expedite the delivery of artillery shells, ammunition, and air defense systems to Ukraine.
"I expressed my appreciation to Prime Minister Rutte for the successful Justice for Ukraine conference held in The Hague, as well as the initiation of the Register of Damage. Additionally, I briefed him on the preparations for the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland and extended an invitation for the Netherlands to participate. We also deliberated on the necessary endeavors to garner widespread support for the event," detailed Zelensky.
The Netherlands has made a series of contributions to Ukraine in the context of the conflict with Russia. These include fighter jets, such as 42 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters promised in August 2023, which are expected to arrive in the coming months, along with €150 million worth of munitions for these aircraft. Regarding naval vessels, the Netherlands has planned the delivery of two Alkmaar-Class minehunters and four other ships, as well as 31 RHIBs/FRISCs/Boston Whalers delivered between 2022 and 2023.
To enhance anti-ship capabilities, the Netherlands provided Harpoon AGM-84 missiles in June 2022. In terms of air defense, they delivered two Patriot launchers in April 2023, along with missiles for these launchers, with an additional commitment in October 2023. Additionally, they provided 12 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles in November 2022 for the NASAMS II system.
In the field of artillery and heavy weapons, the Netherlands supplied eight 155mm PzH 2000 howitzers in April 2022, along with nine more howitzers of the same caliber announced in February 2024. They also contributed to Ukraine's tank arsenal with 45 T-72 Avenger tanks and planned delivery of Leopard 1A5 and Leopard 2A4 tanks in cooperation with Germany and Denmark.
Concerning armored vehicles, the Netherlands provided Fennek reconnaissance vehicles in February 2023, along with over 196 YPR-765 troop transport vehicles and 28 Bandvagn BvS 10. They also contributed to demining and engineering vehicles, utility vehicles, and a range of small arms, including Panzerfaust 3 rocket launchers, Barrett M82 and Accuracy International AX308 sniper rifles, FN MAG light machine guns, and HK416 A2 assault rifles.
The commitment to security cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands was formalized by an agreement signed in March. The Netherlands is one of the countries providing the most assistance to Ukraine, and this aid does not appear to diminish over time, as evidenced by this new assistance.
