Ukraine will receive US weapons at the expense of the Netherlands
5 August 01:03
The Netherlands will finance the supply of €500 million worth of American weapons to Ukraine as part of a new European initiative. This was announced by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in an interview with De Telegraaf, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to Brekelmans, the initiative is aimed at providing Ukraine with critical equipment, including air defense systems and ammunition.
“American air defense systems and ammunition are especially important so that Ukraine can defend itself,” Brekelmans said.
The Netherlands became the first country to allocate money for this initiative. The Dutch support package includes missiles and parts for Patriot and HAWK air defense systems. The Ukrainian Armed Forces will also receive artillery shells. The exact composition of the aid is still being finalized.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the decision of the Netherlands, noting that it would significantly strengthen the country’s defense against Russian attacks. During a telephone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support.
“Ukraine, and therefore the whole of Europe, will receive more protection from Russian terror. I am sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their significant contribution to strengthening the Ukrainian air shield… This will definitely help protect the lives of our people!” Zelenskyy emphasized.
Zelenskyy also noted that the initiative was one of the results of the NATO summit in The Hague. He thanked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Prime Minister Schoof for their assistance and invited the latter to visit Ukraine.
