The Netherlands continues to be a reliable partner of Ukraine, demonstrating this through concrete aid measures and political support in the face of Russian aggression.
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel visited Ukraine in October 2025 to personally reaffirm the country’s steadfast support for Ukraine. During his visit, he announced an additional €25 million in assistance to Ukraine ahead of the winter season.
Already in January 2026, the Netherlands announced an additional €23 million in aid to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
In addition, the country plans to provide Ukraine with over €3 billion in military assistance from 2027 to 2029, along with approximately €400 million for other areas of support.
It is worth noting that later this month, the new Dutch government is expected to officially take office, and David van Weel will no longer serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The new government, formed by the D66, VVD, and CDA parties, may be sworn in as early as February 23. This is a unique situation, as the Netherlands has not had a minority government since World War II.
In an exclusive interview with Ukrinform’s correspondent in The Hague, David van Weel, still serving as the current minister at the time, spoke about the Netherlands’ support for Ukraine, the prospects for its European integration, and the priorities of international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in these challenging times.
PRESSURE ON RUSSIA WILL BE KEY TO FORCING PUTIN INTO SERIOUS NEGOTIATIONS
- Due to strikes on energy infrastructure, millions of Ukrainians are left without heating, electricity, and water. Could you describe the support provided by the Netherlands? What has already been done, and what is planned to help Ukraine survive under conditions of energy terror?
- It is appalling how Russia uses the severe winter cold as a weapon of war against Ukraine. Attacks targeting energy infrastructure continue and intensify, even during ongoing peace talks, leaving millions of people without gas, water and electricity in freezing temperatures. The Netherlands provides support by financing urgent repairs of energy infrastructure, gas purchases from abroad, and training of energy personnel. We also provide urgently needed materials such as generators, transformers and cables from Dutch companies. For 2026 it is 133 million euros for energy support.
- In your opinion, is the response of European countries to the consequences of Russian attacks sufficient? Do you consider the current level of military and financial support for Ukraine from European partners sufficient to deter Russian aggression?
- European countries have done a lot so far. We have adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia, delivered high-end weapons and military gear such as F16s, Patriot missile systems, and Leopard tanks. We also provide financial aid to ensure Ukraine’s economy will not collapse, support for urgent repairs of critical infrastructure, and support for longer-term reconstruction – even while the war is ongoing. But Russia still wages it war, even intensifies it. So we need to do more. The Netherlands is an important voice within the EU, NATO, the Coalition of the Willing, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and the Ukraine Donor Platform to encourage all international partners to step up support. Also because this support is about European security as well.
- You have repeatedly called on partners not to “look away” from Russia’s war against Ukraine. What effective tools of pressure on Russia do you see today?
- Like I said, the EU has imposed sanctions against Russia and those who facilitate this war on a never before seen scale. We know this is hurting Russia’s economy, and that it has isolated Russia on the international stage. At the same time, we have to be realistic that it has not put enough sand in Russia’s war machine to force an end to their aggression. Ultimately, in addition to our efforts as EU, pressure from the United States on Russia and its partners will be instrumental to really force Putin into serious negotiations and an end to this illegal war.
BROAD SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE IN PARLIAMENT REFLECTS THE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE NETHERLANDS
- In light of changes in the United States’ approach to global security and international support for allies, what risks could this pose for the European Union and the global order as a whole, and what role should Europe play in this situation, in your view?
- In their National Security Strategy, as well as the National Defense Strategy, the US has made it clear to expect from Europe to take more responsibility for its own security and defense. That’s a message that is not necessarily new, but it has been made more vocal and urgent by the current US administration. And they are right on this point. Europe needs to step up its investments in defense. During the NATO-summit in The Hague last year, allies agreed to increase their defense spending to 3,5% of the GDP. By strengthening Europe’s contribution within NATO, we reinforce our transatlantic security and ensure the Alliance is credible and future proof.
- How would you describe the attitude of Dutch society toward the war in Ukraine after nearly four years of Russia’s full-scale aggression? Do you think the level of solidarity with Ukraine is changing?
- There is widespread support for Ukraine in our parliament, which I think is a good reflection of the widespread support for Ukraine in Dutch society. I believe most people are well aware that supporting Ukraine is crucial not only for the future of Ukraine, but for the future of European security and stability at large. Various polls and researches in the Netherlands have also shown this to be true for the majority of Dutch people.
- Last year, residents of the Netherlands received information booklets with recommendations on how to prepare for possible emergencies, including power and internet outages. Does this mean that the government is seriously considering the risk of war or a large-scale security crisis in Europe, and how do you assess the likelihood of such a scenario?
- Developments over the last few years, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have shown us how important it is to be prepared in case of emergency scenarios. To increase awareness and resilience, the Dutch government started a campaign to help people be prepared. This indeed includes an information booklet that points out to people what they should do in case of emergencies, where they can go, and how they can come by necessary information in case of a blackout for instance.
CYBERATTACKS ORIGINATING IN RUSSIA POSE A SERIOUS THREAT
- Against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the number of cyberattacks and other hybrid threats against European countries is increasing. How prepared, in your view, are the Netherlands and the European Union to face these challenges today, and what role does Ukraine’s experience and cooperation in the field of cybersecurity play?
- Given how much of our societies and economies nowadays rely on digital infrastructure, cyberattacks originating in Russia pose a serious threat. And we know Russia tries to destabilize European countries through other hybrid activities such as sabotage and information operations. It’s important to increase our resilience against such threats. The Netherlands has a lot of expertise in the field of cybersecurity, and advocates for increased European and international cooperation to promote cyber resilience and counter malign cyber behavior. It’s important to impose costs on adversaries that undertake hybrid actions and cyberattacks against European countries. Our cooperation with Ukraine here, and the knowledge and experience you can share, is of great value here.
- Ukraine is not yet a member of NATO or the EU, but de facto it is already part of the European security and defense architecture. How do you see this developing further?
- Indeed, cooperation between European countries and Ukraine with regards to security and defense has intensified over the last years. We help train Ukrainian forces, provide military equipment that can be made interoperable with European systems easily, and cooperate on furthering Euro-Atlantic integration. For example through the NATO Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package and the NATO Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre. We support Ukraine’s perspective to join NATO when all conditions have been met and consensus is found amongst allies. And we also support Ukraine’s EU-accession, of which the process is ongoing. With Ukraine’s battlefield experience, and given that EU and NATO-perspective, I believe it is in our shared interest to deepen our cooperation in these areas.
- Ukraine insists on a peace plan based on international law and respect for sovereignty. What key elements of such a plan do the Netherlands consider fundamentally important? What is your view on peace negotiations? Under what conditions, in your opinion, could such negotiations be successful? Should this peace plan be a legally binding document or a political declaration? Who should sign it? Should there be a signature from the EU?
- For us, the most important thing is that Ukraine decides on its own future. Because first and foremost this is about your country, your people, your borders, and your future. Ukraine has taken a very constructive stance in the ongoing peace negotiations, but Russia so far has not shown serious willingness to come to a negotiated agreement to end the war. Increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine - politically, militarily and non-militarily - remain necessary to change Putin’s calculus.
PEACE MUST BE BACKED BY HARD POWER
- Security guarantees remain a key issue for Ukraine. What, in your view, should real and effective security guarantees for Ukraine look like, and what role could the Netherlands, the European Union, and NATO play in providing them?
- I agree with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s remarks that for peace to be lasting, you need hard power to back it up. The Coalition of the Willing has developed plans for a Multinational Force for Ukraine in case of a ceasefire. Without going into details, the military plans include strengthening Ukraine’s forces and contributing to reassurance on land, sea and in the skies. But the plans are part of and subject to the ongoing peace discussions. So what it will look like eventually, will of course depend on the negotiated peace framework with all its required parts of monitoring and guarantees. The Netherlands has a positive stance towards a future contribution to the military plans of the Coalition of the Willing, contingent on among others the conditions governing a cessation of hostilities, and also Dutch domestic political approval.
- The Netherlands supports the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Could you describe the role of the Netherlands in the practical launch of the Special Tribunal? Will it be located in The Hague?
- From the beginning, the Netherlands has been very involved with the establishment of this Special Tribunal, from the negotiations in a dedicated core group of countries on the form and mandate, to offering hosting its initial phase in The Hague. During my last visit to Kyiv in October last year, I announced that The Hague will be hosting the preparations for the actual establishment of the tribunal, consisting of an advance party and a skeleton tribunal.
- The European Union has allocated the first €10 million for the Special Tribunal. Do you know what these funds will be specifically used for?
- Thanks to this voluntary contribution by the EU, the Advance Party for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression could start its work at the beginning of this year.
THE NETHERLANDS FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT UKRAINIANS ARE DEFENDING NOT ONLY THEIR COUNTRY
- Do U.S. sanctions and reputational challenges surrounding the leadership of the International Criminal Court create additional risks for the effectiveness of investigations into Russia’s crimes against Ukraine?
- The Netherlands is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, both as a State Party and as host country. The Court’s investigations, including investigations into the war in Ukraine, are crucial for justice and accountability. Together with the other countries that are a Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, we do everything we can to ensure the Court can carry out its mandate as unhindered as possible.
- What message would you like to address to Ukrainians who have been living for nearly four years under conditions of full-scale war and constant attacks by Russia?
- I want to express my utmost respect and admiration for the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The way you have been standing your ground for nearly four years, fighting back and advocating support for your country has been nothing short of impressive. I also want to express my sincere condolences for the losses you suffer within families and your loved ones, and I think of the Ukrainians living under the cruel Russian regime in the temporarily occupied territories.
- What impressions and feelings have stayed with you after your visits to Ukraine?
- I have witnessed incredible strength and determination during my visits to Ukraine, listening to stories of struggle, survival and resolve. It has inspired me, and I am sure that it inspires many people all around the world. You can continue to count on support from the Netherlands, also because we are well aware that you are defending not only your country, but our continent as well.
Iryna Drabok, The Hague
Photos from Ukrinform's archive