Netherlands Defence Minister in Kyiv Discusses Air Defence Strengthening and Armed Forces Support

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren, who is on an official visit to Ukraine. 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues related to strengthening Ukraine's air defence and providing the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the necessary types of weapons.

Zelenskyy noted the leading role of the Netherlands in the work of the International Aviation Coalition and expressed gratitude to Amsterdam for the important decision to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

In addition, the President of Ukraine thanked the Dutch side "for all the support and important decisions for Ukraine". 

During the conversation, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ollongren visiting the city of Dnipro during her visit to Ukraine, where "the Dutch delegation had the opportunity to see first-hand the devastating consequences of Russian air terror".

The President's Office noted that the Head of State briefed the Dutch minister in detail on the situation on the battlefield and the current needs of Ukrainian defenders.

As a reminder, on 1 March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte took part in a meeting of the military cabinet in Kharkiv. On the same day, Ukraine and the Netherlands signed a security guarantee agreement. The document contains a powerful military block that provides for the transfer of modern military equipment to Ukraine and support for the defence industry over the next 10 years.

The Netherlands also announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. It will include boats and landing craft, and funds will be allocated for the purchase of ammunition.