News item | 31-03-2022 | 16:33
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the House of Representatives on March 31, 2022. In his speech, he asked the Netherlands for more support for Ukraine. Subsequently, Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs gave a response in the House.
Speech by President Zelensky
President Zelensky was the first foreign head of state ever to address the Dutch House of Representatives. An impressive and historic moment. “The hard-fought peace in Europe since World War II has been destroyed in an instant,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine has now been fighting for 36 days in a war that Russia has been preparing for years.” He also mentioned the horrors of the war in Ukraine. “We see daily missile strikes, lists of the dead, bombed cities.”
“The hard-fought peace in Europe has been destroyed in an instant.”
“Ukraine continues to defend itself,” Zelensky said. At the same time, he indicated that it is important that Europe continues to act strongly. Also for her own safety. “We must put an end to the aggression so that there is no more war in Europe. I thank Dutch politicians and citizens for their support for Ukraine. For the sanctions, the approach to doing business with Russia. And for the help to Ukrainians in need. But the Russian attacks do not stop.”
Zelensky therefore called on the Netherlands to continue to put pressure on Russia. And to influence international institutions so that war criminals can be punished. “There is no doubt: this is an unjust war. It cannot be forgiven. Those who gave the orders must be held accountable. People know that in The Hague, the city of the tribunals.”
Zelensky also indicated that Ukraine needs more weapons to defend itself. And he called on the Netherlands to choose a city in Ukraine and help it rebuild.
“I dream of the day after the end of the Russian aggression, that Ukrainian refugees can thank you for returning to the rebuilt Ukraine.”
About Dutch support to Ukraine
The Netherlands supports Ukraine in various ways. For example with humanitarian aid. The Netherlands also delivers military contributions in response to Russia’s aggression. For example, by sending military goods to Ukraine and strengthening the eastern flank of the NATO area. The Netherlands also helps with the reception of refugees from Ukraine.
Response from Minister Hoekstra
Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs responded in the House of Representatives to the speech of the Ukrainian president.
“It was extremely impressive to hear President Zelensky talk about what is going on in Ukraine,” Hoekstra said. “How heartbreaking that is. How terrible it is what we see in the media over there. But at the same time it is also admirable. How the Ukrainian government and people are willing to risk literally everything to defend their country.”
“What else can we do?” Hoekstra asked in the House of Representatives. “And how can we do more? In the field of weapons, diplomacy, humanitarian aid. In the field of receiving refugees, and sanctions. How can you help Zelensky, his government, his people? Precisely because they are literally fighting for their lives there. And with that also for the stability, peace and security of our entire continent. Let that also be a call to us when it comes to showing that same determination in supporting Ukraine. And let’s also maintain that unity in Europe and with NATO.”
“They are fighting for their lives there. And with that also for the stability, peace and security of our entire continent.”
Minister Hoekstra added: “It cannot be the case that, if Ukraine – hopefully on good terms – comes to an agreement with Russia, we as the West say that all is forgotten and forgiven. Because thousands of victims have been killed. And billions in damage has been done. International law has been trampled underfoot, and everything we stand for has been set aside by Putin and his entourage.”