Ukraine, Netherlands agree on joint drone production
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, after which the two countries' defense ministers signed a memorandum on joint drone production.
That is according to the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.
Zelensky thanked the government, the prime minister and the people of the Netherlands for their strong support for Ukraine.
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Netherlands has provided Ukraine with assistance worth $9 billion. Zelensky said that Ukraine counts on the continuation of this crucial support.
"We are also grateful for your contribution within the PURL initiative. This is significant – around $600 million. I believe that steps like those taken by your country provide momentum, set examples, and send signals to other leaders," he said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the further development of this initiative, the importance of adding new contributions, and the involvement of other countries.
"We are very proud to be able to assist, including through the PURL initiative, as well as with F-16s, air defense, drone supplies, and the unmanned systems production initiative," Brekelmans said.
Special attention was given to drone coproduction, which, according to Zelensky, is one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. In particular, the parties discussed the implementation of the memorandum.
As the meeting drew to a conclusion, Zelensky presented Brekelmans with the Order of Merit, II class.
"What you are going through is terrible. And every day, I try to do everything possible to help you defend our shared security – yours and that of all Europe. I consider this also an award for the entire team because I know many people feel the same way, and I truly value that," Brekelmans said.
Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine