Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte has disclosed that the first US-made F-16 combat aircraft that the Netherlands is donating to Ukraine will arrive in Romania’s training centre within two weeks.
“That means that the training courses for the Ukrainian pilots who will fly them can start shortly,” Rutte added in a post on X.
This came after Rutte had a video call with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Denmark, Norway and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine.
Rutte also asserted that his country will continue to support Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression, “as much and for as long as necessary.”
“The devastating situation in Israel and Gaza will not divert our attention away from Ukraine. The existential need to push back against Russian aggression is still our priority, both for Ukraine and for the security of Europe as a whole.”
Mark Rutte
“The Netherlands is supporting Ukraine on several fronts,” Rutte said.
Additionally, Rutte disclosed that he and Zelenskyy discussed the progress on establishing an alternative corridor for exporting grain via the Black Sea.
He noted that the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with patrol boats in order to keep this route secure. “We recently held talks on this subject in the port city of Odesa,” he added.
“The atrocities that Russia has committed must not be forgotten. In order ensure this, the Netherlands remains involved in investigating Russia’s crimes.
“A fourth Dutch forensic mission is currently in Ukraine, under the auspices of the International Criminal Court, gathering evidence of war crimes.”
Mark Rutte
Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude To Rutte
In their meeting, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of Ukraine by the Netherlands and the timely fulfillment of previously reached agreements.
This includes providing additional missiles for the Patriot air defense systems, preparations for the F-16 transfer, patrol boats, and long-term financial assistance to Ukraine.
The leaders discussed in detail the situation on the front lines. Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed on the defense actions in Avdiyivka in Donbas, offensive operations near Bahmut, and in the south of our country. He also touched upon the preparation of Ukraine’s energy system for the winter period.
Zelenskyy also informed Rutte about the continuation of the grain corridor in the Black Sea and Ukraine’s defense needs to protect people, critical infrastructure, and the country’s port facilities.
“It is important to preserve our infrastructure, the grain corridor. We are grateful for your support – support of your people, your team, and, of course, for the military support. This is very important. Thank you also for the decision regarding the aircraft. They will help us control the sky.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The parties noted the successful conduct of the third advisors’ meeting in Malta on the implementation of the key principles of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Netherlands’ representative in this event.
The Ukrainian President also thanked Rutte for the initiation of bilateral negotiations on security guarantees in accordance with the Joint Declaration of support for Ukraine. He said that the Netherlands became the first non-G7 country that started such negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte also discussed the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on assistance to citizens of Ukraine and the Netherlands who are in need.
Zelenskyy said that it is in the interest of the entire world to prevent further escalation and the outbreak of a larger war. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready to work together with its partners to put an end to terror and protect civilian lives.
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