According to Rutte, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is not without consequences. “The response will be very strong, the Netherlands will work on this with allies.” The prime minister speaks of an “act of unprecedented aggression.”
The prime minister says this is something “everyone feared, despite efforts to prevent it through diplomatic channels.” “The Netherlands condemns the invasion in the strongest terms.”
Rutte also said that there will be more movements of soldiers and equipment in the Netherlands in the coming period. This has to do with the agreements made within NATO.
The most concerned ministers met on Thursday morning for emergency consultations at the Ministry of General Affairs. Rutte also responded via Twitter before that consultation. “The Netherlands strongly condemns the Russian attack on Ukraine,” the prime minister said. He says he is in close contact with allies of NATO and the European Union.
‘Most comprehensive sanctions package’
Europe must proceed with the “most comprehensive sanctions package” against Russia, according to Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra. He wants more help from Europe for Ukraine.
“We have to look at the full breadth of how we can support Ukraine. We must work with the European Union to see how we can put together a much broader economic and humanitarian package, because of course this will not be over in a few days or weeks,” says Hoekstra.
The House of Representatives will debate the situation in Ukraine later on Thursday. The ruling parties are calling for new steps against Russia. VVD party leader Sophie Hermans believes that “severe sanctions” should be introduced. CDA and CU also want new measures against Moscow. “This act of aggression is irresponsible and unacceptable and requires a quick and united response from Europe and NATO,” said CDA MP Mulder.
Anyone who opts for war instead of diplomacy must feel that with harsh sanctions, says CU MP Segers. He calls on the EU and NATO to take an “irreconcilable stance” until Russian troops withdraw. Similar reactions are heard from the opposition.
The European Union already this week passed a sanctions package against Moscow after it recognized two renegade regions in Ukraine as independent republics.
Unacceptable and illegal
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is “unacceptable and illegal,” Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said. Ukraine is “sovereign, democratic and European,” the minister said ahead of the emergency meeting. And only Russia, she says, is responsible for the war there.
Part of the cabinet is discussing what the consequences should be for Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Everything the Western world has tried so far to stop Putin from attacking, he has “disregarded,” says Ollongren. “But he will suffer the consequences of this.”
The Netherlands will also consult with NATO allies about what actions are needed now, according to the minister.