The Netherlands to conclude a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine
The Netherlands will in the near future conclude a security agreement with Ukraine for the next 10 years. This agreement is a signal from the Dutch government that the Netherlands intends to support Ukraine also in the longer term.
On 12 July last year, during the NATO summit in Vilnius, the Netherlands announced that, like the G7 countries, it would enter into security arrangements with Ukraine. The Netherlands has been in talks with Ukraine since then in order to determine the details. The agreement will include provisions regarding military support for the medium and long term and cooperation to strengthen the defence industry. It will also provide for increasing Ukraine’s cyber resilience and the Ukrainian army's interoperability with NATO forces.
As Netherlands Minister of Defence Ollongren explained, Ukraine is not only fighting for its own freedom and security, it is also fighting for Europe’s freedom and security. She went on to say that with the security agreement announced today by the Dutch government, the Netherlands will enter into arrangements with Ukraine regarding a shared freedom for the next 10 years. Ukraine must be able to count on receiving support not only in the short term, but in the long term as well. In cooperation with international partners, the Netherlands is helping Ukraine to strengthen its IT infrastructure and is training Ukrainian defence personnel in several areas. With this security agreement, the Netherlands will also be sending a strong signal to the Kremlin.
The Netherlands has to date provided over € 2.8 billion in military support
In a letter to the House of Representatives, the government also reported today that the Netherlands has to date provided over € 2.8 billion in military support. This support consists of financial contributions to international funds, such as the International Fund for Ukraine. It also includes deliveries of weapons, ammunition and materiel directly to Ukraine from Defence’s own stocks and in cooperation with industry. Furthermore, deliveries are made by various coalitions of partner countries. This support is provided in close consultation with Ukraine and allies.
Since the invasion, Ukraine has inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces at the front, in the air and around and in the Black Sea. Nevertheless, the situation on the ground remains very concerning. To expel Putin’s troops, Ukraine requires major supplies of materiel, particularly ammunition, to enable its forces to operate effectively. International support is playing a crucial role in this regard.
As Netherlands Minister of Defence Ollongren stated, security and freedom come at a price and Ukraine must defeat Russia. She continued by remarking that we are aware of what Russian forces did in the areas that Ukraine has managed to liberate since the summer, and can therefore imagine what might be happening now in the occupied eastern and southern parts of the country. The Netherlands is therefore supporting Ukraine in its struggle. It is essential to continue and intensify the provision of military support to Ukraine, not least because it is also fighting for our freedom.
24 F-16s
Together with Denmark and the United States, the Netherlands is leading the air force coalition of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). The Dutch government has decided to ready 24 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery. In this coalition, Defence is also working on a broad support package that includes spare parts and ammunition in order to maintain the operational status of the aircraft.
Training courses
The Netherlands has contributed to 24 different training courses. These courses include basic training, such as that provided in the UK-led Operation Interflex. To date, almost 35,000 Ukrainian service members have been trained to fight in their country. Ukrainian navy personnel are currently undergoing training in the Netherlands on minehunters that will be made available to the Ukrainian navy from 2025.
Furthermore, the Netherlands contributed to specialist training courses and to collective company, battalion and staff and leadership training courses.
The minister of defence is proud of the work that Defence is doing to support Ukraine. She explained that over the past 2 years, Defence has worked very hard at all levels and at different locations to organise support for Ukraine. The minister is therefore grateful and very proud of Defence personnel and of everything that they have achieved while simultaneously making every effort to strengthen the armed forces of the Netherlands.