Ukraine and the Netherlands are working on joint defense production and continue preparing the necessary legal infrastructure to hold all those responsible for Russian aggression accountable. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky following his meeting with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof in The Hague.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the principled and unwavering support of Ukraine, which affects the ability to protect lives. The President also highlighted the recent EUR 700 million defense package, support for the PURL initiative, and assistance for energy resilience.
"We are working towards joint defense production as well, including modern drones, in Ukraine and in the Netherlands. Ukraine is defending its independence, defending the lives of its people, and therefore, every step of support now carries special significance," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
In recent days, the Head of State briefed Dick Schoof and other partners on the situation on the battlefield. Russia constantly seeks to create a false impression at the front, but Ukrainian warriors are accomplishing incredible feats and defending positions, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
"Putin has never counted the lives of his own people or his losses at the front. And now – when he wants to use every meter as an argument in negotiations – those losses matter even less to him. Russian assaults are indeed tough, but we are holding our positions – and this helps us greatly, particularly in our political dialogue among leaders, certainly first and foremost with our partners from the United States," the President emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelensky also stressed that Ukrainian and Dutch teams continue preparing the necessary legal infrastructure. Our country, on its part, will do everything to identify and hold Russian murderers accountable.
"But it is also essential that international law functions and ensures legal accountability and appropriate compensation for losses. The Netherlands is helping us in this regard. It is crucial that all justice mechanisms work – from a Tribunal on Russian aggression to the Claims Commission," the Head of State emphasized.
Dick Schoof noted that the Netherlands has expressed willingness to host, under the auspices of the Council of Europe, an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
"Our ultimate goal is a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine. And this can only be achieved simultaneously with ensuring the rule of law. Without justice for the millions of Ukrainians affected by Putin’s aggression, we open the door to further violence," emphasized the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
