It is important that we produce weapons together with the Netherlands, and we will definitely continue this joint work - the President of Ukraine following the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands
"The Netherlands has supported us since the first days of this war in many ways. This is also defense support, it is help for our energy sector. We talked today about energy with Rob and preparation for the next season. Support for sanctions against Russia and also political support for Ukraine. We especially appreciate your work in justice - in bringing to justice all Russian war criminals, Russia itself for this completely unprovoked, invasive aggression," the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi emphasized that it is in the Netherlands that work is underway to create a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, and this year it should be organizationally prepared. The Head of State informed the Prime Minister about the situation on the battlefield and the Russian attacks, which do not stop for a single day.
Rob Yetten expressed his condolences in connection with the Russian terrorist attacks and assured that the Netherlands will actively support Ukraine in various directions in the future. "We have ambitions and intentions to expand drone production capacity. We want to do it together, that is, both with companies in the Netherlands and with companies in Ukraine.
So that we can increase production in both of our countries, ensure supplies to all troops on the battlefield as quickly as possible, and ramp up production for Europe as a whole,” Rob Yetten added. The leaders discussed the continuation of defense assistance, the importance of the development of the PURL program and the request from Ukrainian soldiers regarding radars, which the military voiced to Volodymyr Zelenskyi at the front in Druzhkivka.
The Netherlands is one of the countries producing such radars that can help in defense. "It is important that together with the Netherlands we are already producing weapons. We started it. And we will certainly continue this joint work, we will increase it. In particular, this is provided for in the joint statement that we adopted today between our states. And we discussed it substantively at the meeting: investments, possible licenses, production volumes," said the President.
Much attention was paid to the challenges caused by the war in the Middle East and strikes from Iran on all the Gulf countries. "The countries of the region and the United States of America have turned to Ukraine for support - we will provide them with the necessary means, of course, first of all, expertise - the experience of our military - to protect against "shaheeds", from cruise missiles, etc.
But it is important that this example of America's appeal to Ukraine, as well as the countries of the Gulf, nevertheless becomes an impetus for Europe, for our other partners - an impetus to implement what is necessary for common security on our continent," the President emphasized. The leaders also discussed countering Russian oil tankers. The President stressed that it is important that European states stop the movement of tankers with Russian oil.
The Netherlands is working on legislative changes to block and confiscate the shadow tanker fleet and oil. "Just like the sanctions against Russia - the 20th package of sanctions is needed. We really hope that partners will be able to unlock it. And I am also grateful to the Netherlands for their support in the issue of a stable financial guarantee of security for Ukraine - about 90 billion euros for two years," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyi.