The Netherlands is preparing another military aid package for Ukraine worth €90 million. The funds will be allocated for the production of reconnaissance and strike drones.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced this during the NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
He emphasized that support for Ukraine is now more important than ever, as daily powerful air attacks are recorded against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The minister noted that Ukrainians have warned that the upcoming winter will be the hardest since the start of the war.
“We must ensure a continuous flow of aid to Ukraine. And the Netherlands is doing more than ever. A few days ago, I announced €200 million in support. Today, I am announcing another €90 million package for drones — both reconnaissance and strike drones,” Brekelmans said.
He explained that Ukraine still has significant industrial potential for drone production, which is why the Netherlands is investing additional funds in this area.
On increasing pressure on Russia, Brekelmans said it is important to change “the main dynamics, because Russian dictator Putin now feels that he is winning every day by continuing aggression in Ukraine, and we must ensure that the cost for Putin rises.”
The minister explained that this involves a stable flow of military assistance as well as long-term commitments to Ukraine, both bilaterally and through other mechanisms, including frozen Russian assets.
“We must support Ukraine with deep-strike capabilities so that the costs for Russia increase. Sanctions and economic pressure must also be intensified so that Putin understands he cannot continue the war. Ultimately, together with Ukraine, we will prevail,” emphasized the Dutch defense minister.
Regarding long-range weapons, he also stated that the Netherlands would support a potential U.S. decision to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
“This is a decision of the United States, but if they agree to provide Tomahawk missiles, we will definitely support it,” Brekelmans added.
