Netherlands Pledges Minimum Annual Aid of €3 Billion to Ukraine Through 2029

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Meets with Dutch Counterparts

According to МЗС: On February 28, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a meeting in Kyiv with the newly appointed Foreign and Defense Ministers of the Netherlands. The discussions covered critical areas of Dutch support for Ukraine, including financial, energy, and defense assistance, as well as Ukraine's path to membership in the EU and NATO, the peace process, and holding Russia accountable for its aggression.

This meeting marked the first official foreign visit for both Dutch ministers. The Netherlands has already provided substantial aid to Ukraine, which includes:

• Over €14 billion in defense assistance, with nearly €10 billion allocated specifically for weaponry;
• €23 million for energy needs, supplying 4 large and 19 small transformers;
• €35 million for the development of solar energy systems;
• A Dutch contribution of €750 million to the PURL program.

The meeting also addressed agreements on drones, specifically 600,000 drones worth €510 million and 350,000 FPV drones valued at €300 million. The coalition agreement of the new Dutch government commits to supporting Ukraine with at least €3 billion annually through 2029 and reaffirms support for Ukraine's future membership in the EU and NATO. This long-term pledge signals a deepening strategic partnership as the conflict continues.

Andrii Sybiha stated: 'The new Dutch government has identified international security and developing a partnership with Ukraine as its priorities. We are sincerely grateful that the coalition agreement has solidified long-term commitments for support – at least €3 billion annually until 2029. This significantly strengthens our defense capabilities. Equally important is that the coalition agreement confirmed support for Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO. Together, these elements form the architecture of long-term security not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe.'

Sybiha also emphasized: 'Today is the last day of winter. Tomorrow, the calendar spring begins. This means that Russia's winter terror campaign has failed. Moscow once again failed to achieve its aggressive goals, and Ukraine, together with its allies, has thwarted the aggressor's plans. We are grateful to all our partners for this support.'

Furthermore, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of peace efforts: 'Ukraine is committed to peace efforts under U.S. leadership. Unfortunately, we see no readiness from Russia to end the war. Therefore, increasing pressure – primarily on the shadow fleet and the energy sector – is crucial. We must deprive Russia of the resources to wage war. In this context, I emphasize: the EU's 20th sanctions package is needed as soon as possible.'

During the meeting, various forms of Dutch support were discussed, including military, energy, financial, and humanitarian aid. The parties also covered energy cooperation, defense assistance, collaboration in drone technology, the peace process, issues of justice and accountability, and the ratification of the Convention on the Establishment of an International Compensation Commission.

This meeting underscores the vital cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands amid the ongoing war with Russia. The Netherlands' commitment to substantial financial aid demonstrates its dedication to Ukraine's security and regional stability. Dutch support, particularly in defense and energy, remains crucial for Ukraine's struggle to maintain its independence and territorial integrity.