News item | 8/24/2023 | 11:26
Minister Kajsa Ollongren expressed her concerns about the security situation around the Black Sea during a three-day visit to Ukraine. She called the threat of sea mines a serious danger. Today she returned to the Netherlands.
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In war-ravaged Ukraine, Ollongren visited the capital Kyiv. She spoke with her Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov and joined the Crimean Platform, which celebrated its 2nd anniversary yesterday. The platform focuses on security on the peninsula and the region and advocates, among other things, the human rights of Ukrainians in De Crimea.
During the talks, Ollongren expressed her concerns about safety in the Black Sea. The water is full of sea mines. “The Black Sea has become a dangerous place due to Russian aggression. The actions against international shipping and transport of grain are a threat to food security. This is unacceptable.”
The Netherlands already promised to donate 2 mine hunters to Ukraine. This will happen as soon as the Royal Netherlands Navy has replacement capacity. Next month, the Netherlands will start training the Ukrainian crew for these ships. This is done together with Belgium and other allies.
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Mine countermeasures
The country is also littered with explosives. Minefields are currently the biggest challenge for a successful Ukrainian counter-offensive. The Netherlands recently supplied mine roll systems for vehicles, but more help is welcome. That is why 950 so-called Man Portable Line Charges (MPLC) are being delivered at an accelerated rate. These are in addition to the 50 systems that have already been donated. Defense purchases the systems from industry.
The MPLC is a portable lightweight explosive in a backpack. It contains a projectile to be fired (mini-missile). This has a line with explosives that can be fired at or over a minefield. That line then lands on the minefield and explodes, revealing a clear path with no obstacles.
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F-16s
Ukraine will eventually also be able to use F-16s supplied by the Netherlands. Prime Minister Mark Rutte promised the delivery of the devices on Sunday. It was previously known that the Netherlands will contribute to the training of fighter pilots.
In anticipation of the transfer of the aircraft, Ollongren gave an F-16 scale model to his colleague Reznikov.
Veterans care
The minister also attended a symposium on veteran care. Here the British mentioned the plan for the care and aftercare of Ukrainian veterans. The aim is to support a medical center in Ukraine, where veterans can rehabilitate. The British have found a partner in the Netherlands. More countries are expected to join.
Minister Ollongren: “Ukraine is facing an enormous task in the field of veteran care. It is of great importance to ensure that veterans remain connected to society. Due to the great importance of good veteran care, rehabilitation support is part of Dutch aid to Ukraine, also in the long term. We are working closely with Ukraine to ensure our plans are in line with needs.”
Nearly 2 billion
The Netherlands has so far provided almost €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine. During her visit, Minister Ollongren emphasized that the Netherlands will continue to provide support as long as it is necessary.