Ukraine-Russia agreement should involve 'deterrence force,' not peacekeepers – Dutch FM
He made this statement on the Sven op 1 program, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
According to Veldkamp, some level of U.S. involvement is necessary. He explained that while this might not involve American troops on the ground, it should include resources that European countries lack due to years of insufficient defense spending -- such as air transport and intelligence gathering. In his view, U.S. support is necessary.
The minister also stressed that the Netherlands could be part of a military force that will safeguard future peace in Ukraine.
He said that the Dutch government "speaks with one voice." However, Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), later stated on social media platform X that he opposes sending Dutch troops to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof traveled to Paris on Monday for an emergency meeting of European leaders regarding geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine. Veldkamp declined to disclose specific details of the closed-door discussions, stating, " Putin must not look at our cards."
