News item | 13-04-2023 | 4:47 pm
From now on, the Ministry of Defense will publish more information about military supplies to Ukraine. Minister Kajsa Ollongren writes this today in a letter to the House of Representatives. For example, it was announced today what type of goods and resources have been donated since 24 February 2022. This provides insight for the first time into the breadth, diversity and size of Dutch military support. The Netherlands has already provided € 1.2 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine.
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The government considers this step towards greater transparency to be of great importance. On the one hand, for maintaining support and being able to hold a social debate about military support for Ukraine. On the other hand because of the signaling effect towards both Ukraine and Russia.
The Netherlands is determined to continue to support Ukraine militarily to defend itself against Russian aggression. The war in Ukraine has entered its second year and the government expects it to continue for a long time. “Ukraine cannot sustain this struggle without military support,” says Ollongren. “The outcome of this battle will also determine our security in Europe.”
More openness is also in line with the development that Defense is increasingly supplying military goods that are ordered directly from industry. Other countries are also choosing to make more information public. Operational safety remains leading. Therefore, for each delivery, an assessment is made of what can be made public.
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Deliveries
The deliveries include various types of equipment, such as heavy weapons, but also rifles and machine guns, including ammunition. Vehicles and vessels, weapon systems and various types of missiles have also been sent to Ukraine. In addition, it concerns clothing and items such as generators, sensors and night vision equipment. Blankets, food and medical supplies were also provided.
A overview of the goods delivered and announced can be found on defence.nl.
Effects on readiness
The minister also writes that Ukraine’s continued support has consequences for its own readiness. These are considered acceptable given the current circumstances. The minister emphasizes that we must keep this in mind: “In addition to military support for Ukraine, it is important that we continue to strengthen our own armed forces. This demands a lot from our people.”
Defense is financially compensated for the supplies. Where necessary, the donated equipment is ordered again and supplemented. The latter takes time, because several countries have been investing heavily in their armed forces for years and are purchasing equipment worth billions. The minister points out the importance of cooperation with the industry.
The Netherlands has so far received €202.9 million in compensation from the European Peace Facility. This fund has made €3.5 billion available for the supply of military equipment from the EU member states.