Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte held a videoconference on 30 October to discuss Ukraine’s defense needs, European security, and the situation in the Middle East, according to statements from both leaders reported.
“The devastating situation in Israel and Gaza will not divert our attention away from Ukraine,” Rutte said.
“I was also able to inform President Zelensky that the F-16s the Netherlands pledged in order to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses will arrive at the training center in Romania in two weeks’ time. That means the training courses for the Ukrainian pilots who will fly them can start shortly,” Rutte added.
The Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression, as much and for as long as necessary. The devastating situation in Israel and Gaza will not divert our attention away from Ukraine. The existential need to push back against Russian… pic.twitter.com/o1CCW3gKQp
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) October 30, 2023
The leaders also talked about ensuring Ukraine’s grain exports through Black Sea ports and the Netherlands’ role in investigating Russia’s war crimes, Rutte’s statement said.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the implementation of previous agreements between Kyiv and Amsterdam on additional missiles for Patriot systems, preparations for transferring F-16s and patrol boats, and long-term financial assistance, according to his statement.
“Our previous agreements are being implemented. Additional Patriot missiles, F-16 transfer preparations, patrol boats, and long-term financial aid,” Zelenskyy said.
During our call, @MinPres Mark Rutte and I focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense, European security, and the situation in the Middle East.
Our previous agreements are being implemented. Additional Patriot missiles, F-16 transfer preparations, patrol boats, and long-term… pic.twitter.com/rdSqFPVVto
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 30, 2023
Ukraine’s President also emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia.
“I urged the EU to speed up work on the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as an effective mechanism for transferring earnings from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote.
On 13 October, during his unannounced visit to Odesa, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for Kyiv as it braces for intensified Russian attacks this winter. He announced the transfer of additional Patriot missiles and patrol boats.
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