Ukraine and the Netherlands Have Already Begun Work on the Comprehensive Development of All Air Defense Capabilities – Volodymyr Zelenskyy Following His Meeting with Rob Jetten

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During their talks in Middelburg, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten discussed security issues, support for and development of Ukraine's energy sector, strengthening diplomatic cooperation, and holding Russia accountable for the crime of aggression.

The Head of State thanked the Netherlands for its support of Ukraine and for its kind and heartfelt attitude toward Ukrainians and their struggle for the right to live in an independent and sovereign state. The President also specifically noted the joint work on holding Russia accountable for its aggression.

"The Netherlands is among the greatest defenders of life thanks to its support for Ukraine. You significantly helped us with air defense and other needs - from combat aviation to critically important political and financial support. We especially value the consistent annual assistance provided by the Netherlands to our state and its resilience," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The main focus of the meeting was on security issues, primarily strengthening Ukraine's air defense. The President emphasized that Russia continues its war of aggression and terror against our country. Today, in many cities across Ukraine, people are dealing with the consequences of another Russian attack. As of now, 17 people have been reported killed and more than one hundred injured.

"Our fundamental task is to secure missiles for air defense and a sufficient number of air defense systems. We are working with partners virtually every day to ensure the protection of our skies. And I am grateful for your readiness to help," the Head of State noted.

Today, Ukraine proposed to the Netherlands a format for a special agreement on security partnership - the Drone Deal.

"This is not only about drones as such, but also about the comprehensive development of all air defense capabilities: protection against missiles and drones, the development of electronic warfare, and our joint weapons production. We tasked our teams with working out all the details," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands noted that his country is interested in mutually beneficial development of defense-industrial cooperation with Ukraine. The Netherlands also announced €248 million in funding for Ukrainian drone production.

"Ukraine can count on us. We will continue to fight for a lasting peace in Ukraine. But we must be realistic. We must all support Ukraine for as long as it takes," Rob Jetten emphasized.

The leaders also agreed to work together to further protect and develop Ukraine's energy sector, including decentralized energy. There is already a first draft of a joint document outlining the relevant steps.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rob Jetten also exchanged assessments of the situation in international relations, particularly in light of the war in the Middle East. They discussed diplomatic efforts and the political track of relations in Europe at the level of European institutions. They also addressed the need to unblock the European support package for Ukraine and to begin opening negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.