Ukraine urgently requested €2 billion from the Netherlands for military assistance

Ukraine has asked the Netherlands to urgently provide 2 billion euros for military support. The funds are primarily needed to strengthen air defense, purchase ammunition for F-16s, and produce drones.

This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands, Andrii Kostin, writes De Volkskrant.

According to the diplomat, this does not necessarily mean additional expenses beyond the already planned assistance to Ukraine. Kyiv proposes to move part of the funds that the Netherlands intended to provide in subsequent years to the near future.

The Netherlands annually reserves about 3 billion euros for military assistance to Ukraine. The government has previously used a similar mechanism to accelerate funding: in the summer, about 437 million euros of future expenses were moved to an earlier period. Now Kyiv proposes to do the same with another 2 billion euros.

Ukraine needs air defense, missiles for F-16s, and drones

Among the most urgent needs, Kostin mentioned air defense systems. According to him, Ukraine finds it especially difficult to counter Russian ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

The ambassador also pointed out the need for additional ammunition for the F-16 fighter jets transferred to Ukraine. These aircraft, in particular, are used to intercept Russian cruise missiles, but for their continued effective operation, missiles, maintenance, and personnel training are needed.

Another area should be drones and interceptor drones. Ukraine is capable of producing more of such weapons, but the enterprises' capabilities are limited by a lack of funding.

Kostin emphasized that accelerating military assistance is necessary, among other things, to protect the civilian population. Russia, according to him, strikes not only military and energy facilities but also residential areas, shops, and other civilian infrastructure.

Request came amid budget preparations in the Netherlands

The Ukrainian ambassador's appeal came at a time when the Dutch government is negotiating the state budget for next year. Therefore, the decision on the accelerated allocation of another 2 billion euros must be made taking into account the capabilities of the Dutch public finances.

Moving expenses to an earlier date also means that in subsequent years less already reserved funds will remain for assistance to Ukraine, unless the government subsequently compensates this amount with additional funding.

The Netherlands remains one of the key providers of military assistance to Ukraine. The country has transferred F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian military, funds the purchase of ammunition, drones, and air defense systems, and also participates in international arms supply programs.