The Dutch government has announced a new aid package for Ukraine totaling €175 million, with €80 million specifically allocated for purchasing additional drones. This announcement was made by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the opening day of the NATO summit in The Hague.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to address the Dutch parliament later today and will attend a dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander, alongside other world leaders including US President Donald Trump.
Brekelmans emphasized the “crucial” nature of this additional support, citing Russia’s intensified drone attacks on civilian areas in recent weeks. This follows recent attacks that killed ten people in Kyiv and three in Odesa.
The remaining funds from the aid package will be used to procure improved radar systems for drone detection and unmanned vehicles designed to transport wounded soldiers from the front lines.
Despite being a caretaker administration, the Dutch government has committed to continuing its support for Ukraine. Although the far-right PVV withdrew from the coalition three weeks ago, a broad parliamentary majority still favors aiding Ukraine. President Zelenskyy’s address to both houses of parliament will replace the usual ministers’ question time.
Zelenskyy’s last visit to the Dutch parliament was two years ago on May 4th, the Netherlands’ Remembrance Day. He had previously addressed MPs via video link due to COVID-19 restrictions.
