News item | 24-02-2025 | 09:35
On February 24, 2022, Russia started the large -scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainians have been fighting for their freedom and their lives for 3 years. In this article: why support for Ukraine remains important – also for the Netherlands and the whole of Europe.
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The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine:
For the Ukrainians
Russia has completely destroyed the lives of millions of Ukrainians – and Ukrainian villages and cities completely destroyed. In areas that occupies Russia, Ukrainians suffer from the violence of Russian soldiers. Those murders, torturing, raping and kidding Ukrainian children. With the support of Ukraine, Ukrainians have been standing against Russia for 3 years.
Russia started the war. And Russia can end him any time.
For the safety of the Netherlands and Europe
Russian aggression goes beyond Ukraine. President Putin speaks in public about a conflict with ‘the West’. And Russia is increasingly doing to weaken European countries. Think of cyber attacks, spreading fake news, sabotage and influencing elections.
In short: by defending against Russia, Ukraine fights for the safety of all of Europe. That also makes it important to support Ukraine. Because if Russia is successful in Ukraine, the danger does not stop there. And then the costs for the Netherlands will be much higher. Think of even more Russian (cyber) attacks in Europe and more Ukrainian refugees who cannot go home.
For a world in which aggression does not pay
A Russian victory has consequences for the whole world. It would give a signal to Russia-and for example China, North Korea and Iran-that aggression pays off. And that the law of the strongest is more important than international rules and agreements. That can mean the start of many more wars.
Peace through power, instead of war due to weakness.
It is therefore important that Ukraine stands up, and that the Russia aggression will be expensive. That is why the Ukraine cabinet continues to support. To contribute to a positive outcome of the war: Peace by showing strength. Instead of risking more war by showing weakness.
Dutch support for Ukraine
The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. Among other things with:
- Military support: Material such as ammunition, F-16s and anti-aircraft systems. The Netherlands also provides training to Ukrainian soldiers.
- Sanctions against Russia: The sanctions of EU countries affect the Russian economy. That makes it increasingly difficult and more expensive for Russia to maintain the war.
- Justice for Ukraine: Ensure that war crimes do not remain unpunished and that people who have suffered damage from the war receive compensation.
- Reconstruction: Support to repair damage where it is most needed, such as water pipes, roads, hospitals or electricity networks. This support is crucial to maintain Ukraine.
- Humanitarian help: supporting InternationalDutch and Ukrainian organizations in supplying relief supplies, ensuring drinking water, medicines, food and protection. And helping civilian casualties.
- Protection of Ukrainian culture: Russia attacks cultural goals in Ukraine, in an attempt to erase Ukrainian culture and identity. The Netherlands supports Ukraine to protect cultural heritage.
- Other support: For example, the Netherlands also helps Ukraine with support for health care, psychosocial support for victims, protection against cyber attacks and support for agriculture.