The Netherlands announced Friday the signing of a security accord with Ukraine for the next ten years. The move represents a commitment by the government of the Netherlands to provide long-term support to Kiev in the areas of justice, security, and reconstruction.
Besides, the agreement entails that the Netherlands will support Ukraine in defending itself against Russia and gaining further integration into the EU and NATO. The initiative follows the Netherlands' announcement during the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 12, 2023, to establish bilateral security arrangements with Ukraine, inspired by similar commitments from G7 countries.
"Our own security is closely intertwined with Ukraine's," Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot (pictured left) said. "Not for a single day can we afford to forget that the Ukrainians' brave fight is also our concern. Ukraine must be able to rely on our support, not only now but in the longer term, too. This also sends a powerful signal to Russia, which is hoping that Western support for Ukraine will eventually dry up."
