United to win: Ukraine to receive extra €22 mln from Netherlands for air defense and cybersecurity

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced the decision to allocate an additional 22 million euros to Ukraine for defense and cybersecurity needs.

He wrote about this on the social network X.

"At yesterday's meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, I emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's military potential. The Netherlands is allocating an additional 22 million euros for projects aimed at Ukraine's air defense and cyber resilience," the foreign minister wrote.

Veldkamp added that Russia's actions directly threaten NATO. In this regard, he mentioned "the build-up of military presence, airspace incursions and acts of sabotage."

"We should be equally concerned that third countries are contributing to the Russian war machine. This requires a more decisive and coordinated response from NATO and its members. First of all, we must continue our course in support of Ukraine. There is simply no alternative," the foreign minister emphasized.

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Previously, Rubryka stated that the Netherlands had provided three Patriot anti-aircraft missile launchers in response to forecasts of a harsh winter in Ukraine.

The Patriot air defense system is an advanced air defense system developed by the United States to protect against missile and air attacks. It can hit tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Patriot is widely used both in the United States and in many countries around the world.

Moreover, by the end of 2024, the Netherlands will purchase and transfer 51 mobile air defense radars manufactured by Robin Radar Systems to Ukraine.

The Netherlands has declared that Ukraine's use of the F-16 fighter jets they transferred is unrestricted, including in Russian airspace. Ukraine has complete discretion over the resources the Netherlands provides "at will, subject to compliance with the humanitarian law of war."

Overall, the Netherlands will be sending 24 F–16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Amsterdam also confirmed that it will provide an extra 300 million euros to cover the cost of ammunition for these F–16s, which will be delivered to Ukraine in the coming months.

In addition, ten Ukrainian soldiers received training in the Netherlands for maintaining F–16 fighter jets.

In July, the Netherlands announced its pledge to contribute 20 million euros to a collective fund for drone cooperation. This funding will secure the provision of 1 million FPV drones.