Statement by the President of Ukraine during a Joint Press Conference with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands

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Dear Prime Minister!

Distinguished journalists!

Everyone present!

First of all, I want to thank the Netherlands for its unwavering and principled support of Ukraine - for truly helping us. And it truly makes a difference - it affects our ability to protect lives. Yesterday and today, we had very productive meetings with Dick, and we discussed matters in Berlin with other leaders; today's discussions were also very substantive. This is one of the most important qualities of our relations with you, with the Netherlands: you are always very concrete, always help us, and you help us in the right way - exactly what Ukraine needs at a particular moment.

I am grateful to the Netherlands for all the defense and political support Ukraine has received across absolutely all platforms since the beginning of this invasion. I would like to give special thanks for the recent defense package - EUR 700 million for defense. Thank you very much, Dick, and we thank everyone - above all, this is support from your people. We also value your responsible approach to the current global political situation, which is reflected, among other things, in your support for the PURL initiative, which allows us to purchase American weapons. This includes, primarily, air defense missiles; this is essential equipment. Not only air defense, though, during the winter attacks, the Russian Federation's massive attacks, it is a priority. There is also other weaponry not available in Europe, which we can currently procure only from the United States. 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.

I have briefed the Prime Minister and all our partners these days on the real situation on the battlefield. Russia constantly tries to create a false impression at the front. But our warriors, our units are accomplishing incredible feats and holding our positions, no matter how difficult it is - which is indeed extremely difficult, especially against Russia's particularly brutal, massive assaults. 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. I want to thank every partner in Europe and everyone in the Netherlands for continuing to support our defense and also our recovery. At present, during winter, Russian strikes on the energy sector are one of Russia's main objectives. And we must constantly restore what has been destroyed, and that is our objective, and that is exactly what we are doing. And I thank you for maintaining such support in this area as well, which is important to us. Ukraine truly feels the Netherlands' readiness to provide continuous assistance.

One more point.

Our teams continue to prepare the necessary legal infrastructure - about which the Prime Minister has already spoken, but it is very important - so that there will come a day when Ukrainians can say that Russia is truly held accountable for its actions: for this war, for all the killings, for all the suffering. Ukraine, on its part, will do everything necessary to identify and bring Russian murderers to justice. 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. Thank you once again for today, and for every day when, Dick, your country and your people help us so strongly. Thank you for your support.