It will not be a “major investment” in the Ukrainian military. “That is not realistic” according to the minister, given the state of the armed forces. He himself has a great shortage of all kinds of equipment and ammunition.
Sending Dutch soldiers to Ukraine is not by definition excluded by Ollongren. Dutch soldiers may have to train the Ukrainian army in the use of supplied weapon systems, she said.
What military means
The minister did not want to say what military resources Kiev has requested. Russia could benefit from that information strategically. There has also been no response to the offer from the Netherlands to help Ukraine against cyber attacks.
The cabinet’s decision to look ‘seriously’ at arms supplies is supported by a broad majority of the House of Representatives. Minister Hoekstra said that a decision will be made soon, but that it could take a few more weeks.
‘Major concerns’
The cabinet is still “greatly concerned” about possible Russian aggression. The Kremlin has yet to make “no decision” on action against Ukraine, Ollongren said. That is why the dialogue remains “extremely important.” But should it come to an invasion, Russia will “pay a heavy price.”
Hoekstra also made it clear that it could take weeks before more is clear about a European sanctions package against Russia. The Member States are still a long way from agreeing on this. This is of great concern to the parties. More unity is needed in Europe, the House believes.
A potential hefty sanctions package against the Russians is also likely to lead to retaliation from Moscow. European countries that are then hit hard should receive extra help from the EU, Hoekstra said.