News item | 21-01-2022 | 17:27
The situation on the border between Ukraine and Russia is very worrying. There is a lot of contact between diplomats, military personnel and government leaders to prevent tensions from rising. What are the conversations about? What measures are being taken? And what is the Netherlands doing? We answer some important questions.
Last update: January 21
What is happening at the border between Russia and Ukraine?
For several months, Russia has been gathering more and more troops along the border of Ukraine. And there are many Russian soldiers in Belarus. There is also more activity by Russian naval vessels around Crimea in the Black Sea south of Ukraine.
Russia has illegally annexed (taken possession of) Crimea since 2014. Fighting has been going on in eastern Ukraine since 2014. There is officially a cease-fire there, but there is still a lot of shooting and people are killed. A misunderstanding or accident can also lead to new violence. There is therefore a lot of contact between diplomats, military personnel and government leaders to prevent tensions from rising.
How did the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine start?
Until 1991, Ukraine and Russia were both part of the Soviet Union. In 1991, the leaders of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia jointly decided to dissolve the Soviet Union. Ukraine and Russia thus became independent countries.
Since Russia and Ukraine were both part of the Soviet Union, both countries had nuclear weapons. In 1994 it was agreed that Ukraine would give its nuclear weapons to Russia. In return, Russia would guarantee Ukraine’s independence. In 2014, after large-scale protests in Ukraine, a new government took office. Soon after, Russia annexed Crimea. Since 2014, Russia has also supported insurgents in eastern Ukraine (Donetsk and Luhansk).
More and more Ukrainians want Ukraine to join NATO and the EU. The Ukrainian government is also in favor of this. Russia disagrees and demands that Ukraine should never become a member of these organizations. In 2014, Ukraine concluded an association agreement with the EU, increasing cooperation in many areas. It does not mean that Ukraine will join the EU.
Ukraine and NATO also work closely together. This cooperation has become closer after the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. For example, NATO is helping Ukraine to strengthen its defence. Including in the field of cyber security.
What are the positions of the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is very concerned about the tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia. It is important to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. We must therefore continue to talk to Russia. At the same time, we must make it clear with the EU and NATO that new aggression by Russia could have serious consequences. For example, it has been agreed with other EU countries that sanctions can be imposed.
Russia’s demands on NATO expansion and the withdrawal of weapons from all of Eastern Europe are unacceptable to NATO, the EU and the Netherlands. It is good to talk to Russia about the concerns that the country has. We can then also make agreements about military exercises and the presence of certain missiles in Eastern Europe. Whether Ukraine can join NATO is a question for Ukraine and NATO’s 30 allies. The Netherlands thinks that the country can join in the future, but is of the opinion that Ukraine does not currently meet the conditions for accession.
What is the role of the Netherlands in this situation?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed worldwide to discuss the situation with other countries. For example within NATO, the EU and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Because together we are stronger.
Talks with Russia about the current situation have already been held in Geneva, Brussels, Vienna and Moscow. There is therefore a lot of consultation, and with a clear goal: to prevent tensions from rising higher. The Netherlands supports these discussions and continues to contribute actively to them. An open discussion with Russia is important, especially on issues on which we do not agree. Together with other countries, we also ensure that we are well prepared if the situation deteriorates.
For example, the Netherlands is sending two F-35 fighter aircraft to NATO ally Bulgaria. These will be used to intercept unknown aircraft over the NATO treaty area. See the letter to parliament ‘Dutch contributions to strengthening NATO deterrence and defence’ (20 January). The Netherlands is also open to looking carefully at providing defensive military support to Ukraine.
Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs will visit Ukraine shortly. Among other things, to show that the Netherlands supports the national borders and independence of Ukraine.
What does the situation mean for the Dutch in Ukraine?
The color code for Ukraine is orange for some parts of the country: only for real necessary travel. And some areas are red: don’t travel there. Evacuation is not an issue for the Dutch, because it is currently possible to leave Ukraine independently.
But events in Ukraine can move quickly. It is therefore important to register your stay with the Foreign Affairs Information Service. Continue to monitor the situation throughout Ukraine and remain alert to new developments.
Red: don’t travel
The color code of the travel advice for the Ukrainian areas of Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea is red. This means that it is too dangerous to travel to these parts of Ukraine. Whatever your situation, don’t go there.
- Are you going to these areas? Then this is your own responsibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot or probably cannot help you if you get into trouble.
Orange: only necessary trips
The color code of the travel advice for the rest of Ukraine is orange. This means that it is now not safe to go on holiday to Ukraine. You should also think carefully about traveling for other reasons. Consider delaying this one. Only go like this real is necessary.
- Are you going to Ukraine? Then this is your own responsibility. Prepare well. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot or probably cannot help you if you get into trouble.
Are you staying in Ukraine? Then register ‘extensive’ with the Foreign Affairs Information Service (choose option ‘Sign up + registration at embassy’). This way you stay informed about the latest developments and we know that you are in the country.