Netherlands Pledges Over €100 Million for Artillery Purchase for Ukraine
The Netherlands is providing over 100 million euros to finance the delivery of hundreds of thousands of munitions found by the Czech Republic for Ukraine outside the EU. Prime Minister of the country, Mark Rutte, announced this on his Twitter page.
"Two years after the invasion, Ukrainian forces continue to bravely hold their ground. However, we also see Russia continuing to exert pressure along the front line. This places high demands on those defending it. It is crucial that we fulfil our promises. That is why the Netherlands is allocating over 100 million euros to the Czech initiative for the swift delivery of hundreds of thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine," he wrote.
Additionally, Rutte announced the signing of a security agreement with Ukraine. This will enable the Netherlands to support the country for the next 10 years. He noted that the agreement is intended to guarantee future security not only for Ukraine, defending against Russian aggression, but also for the Netherlands.
"We know that Putin is preparing for a long war. We must continue to demonstrate that we are steadfast and that time is not on his side. That is why the Netherlands is concluding a security agreement with Ukraine to continue supporting this country for at least the next 10 years. To ensure the future security of Ukraine and the Netherlands," wrote Mark Rutte.
It is worth recalling that at the end of January, The Gaze reported that the Dutch government approved the allocation of 122 million euros to Ukraine for ammunition, weapons, and cybersecurity. In particular, 87 million euros are allocated for the purchase of artillery shells for Ukraine. Another 25 million euros will be transferred to the International Fund for Ukraine for the purchase of weapons.
Furthermore, the Dutch government will allocate 10 million euros to improve cybersecurity in Ukraine. The funds for cybersecurity will be used, among other things, to create and expand relevant online infrastructure in Ukraine, which has already faced massive cyberattacks.
The allocation of these funds is the result of consultations with the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group (UDCG), which includes 50 partner countries. They assist Ukraine in procuring equipment and resources to defend against Russia.