News item | 16-01-2025 | 8:00 PM
Foreign Minister Veldkamp pledged 20 million euros on behalf of the Netherlands to his Ukrainian colleague Andrii Sybiha on Thursday to strengthen the Ukrainian energy network, which has been severely affected by targeted attacks from Russia. The money is intended for repairs and protection of energy supplies, but also for decentralized electricity generation.
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Russia has targeted both power stations and gas infrastructure these winter months, deliberately leaving Ukrainian citizens in the dark and cold. The Ukrainian economy is also hit hard by these attacks, because companies and institutions need gas and electricity to continue functioning. Veldkamp: “The Netherlands does not want to watch as Russia cowardly tries to disrupt Ukrainian society and break the morals of citizens by attacking the energy network. That is why I am happy that the cabinet was able to release money to help Ukrainians get through the winter.”
Minister Veldkamp visited the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday and, in addition to his colleague Sybiha, also spoke to President Zelenskyy and Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna. During the conversations, Veldkamp emphasized that Ukraine can continue to count on military, financial and moral support from the Netherlands.
“It has now been almost 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine, a sad anniversary. Since then, the Russian army has been sowing death and destruction in Ukrainian society with continuous attacks. There is no sign that Russia is backing down in this regard. Ukraine therefore still desperately needs our support and that of our EU and NATO partners. Today I assured my colleagues that the Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary.”
During talks, Veldkamp announced an additional contribution of 7 million euros to NATO’s Ukraine Compehensive Assistance Package (UCAP). From the UCAP, NATO provides non-lethal support to Ukraine such as fuel, medical supplies, winter equipment and drone jammers.
Veldkamp also said that the Netherlands remains committed to new EU sanctions against Russia, measures against sanctions circumvention and that the Netherlands will continue to make maximum efforts to achieve justice for Ukrainian citizens.
In addition to meetings with his Ukrainian colleagues, Minister Veldkamp also visited a drone factory and a Ukrainian NGO for veterans in Ukraine. He also spoke to Ukrainian students from the Kyiv School of Economics and, together with Minister Sybiha, laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance to honor fallen soldiers.