Official Visit of the President of Ukraine to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
New Defense Package, Joint Drone Production, and Continued Pressure on the Russian Federation: President of Ukraine Meets with Prime Minister of the Netherlands
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his official visit to the Netherlands by meeting with the country’s Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, in The Hague.
The Head of State noted that The Hague is primarily associated with the rule of law and justice.
“We will continue working to ensure justice and to hold Russia accountable for its crimes. This is extremely important for our families, for all of us. I believe it is important for all of Europe and the entire world, which truly respects values, rights, and the law — and this matters a great deal,” the President emphasized.
Dick Schoof expressed condolences to Ukraine regarding the recent Russian strikes.
“This clearly shows that we must unite against Russian aggression, that we must resist and condemn Russian aggression. As you know, the Netherlands has always supported Ukraine, and we will continue to do so both in times of war and peace. We will provide financial, military, and political support,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands for their assistance, which this year alone will amount to EUR 2.25 billion, calling the country one of the leaders in protecting lives.
The Netherlands announced a new defense support package worth approximately EUR 175 million. This includes, among other things, 100 radars for drone detection. Additionally, the Netherlands is allocating EUR 80 million for drones within the drone coalition and providing 20 Ermine CASEVAC modular unmanned vehicles for evacuating the wounded.
The President also highlighted contracts recently signed with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers totaling nearly EUR 500 million. This will enable the provision of 600,000 drones to Ukrainian warriors on the frontline.
Furthermore, the leaders discussed prospects for joint production of drones in the Netherlands for Ukraine, based on Ukrainian technologies.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia does not intend to stop its aggressive plans against Ukraine, as evidenced by recent statements and actions by Vladimir Putin. Therefore, pushing the aggressor toward genuine peace negotiations is only possible through coordinated pressure, including sanctions.
According to the Head of State, sanctions should target the Russian Federation’s energy and banking sectors, its shadow fleet, including captains and terminals. In addition, the price cap on Russian oil must be lowered.
The meeting also covered Ukraine’s path toward European integration and political support from the Netherlands regarding the opening of negotiation clusters.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte Coordinate Steps Within NATO Summit
In The Hague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The Head of State thanked him for the invitation to the NATO Summit. It is a clear signal that Ukraine remains among the priorities on the Alliance’s agenda.
Mark Rutte emphasized that this year’s event is building on the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, where a decision was made that Ukraine's path to the Alliance is irreversible.
“The decisions of last year’s Washington Summit were very important, and it is crucial that this course remains unchanged,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President noted that Ukraine expects the NATO Summit’s final declaration to include signals of continued support for Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression.
The leaders coordinated steps within the framework of the Summit and discussed their shared expectations for its outcome.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the Russian Federation continues its missile and drone terror against civilian infrastructure and civilians. Therefore, one of the main focuses of the discussion was strengthening air defense and supporting the development of domestic defense production by NATO member states.
In addition, the discussion covered access for partners – members of NATO to weapons procurement.
President Meets with U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons.
The Head of State thanked them for the bipartisan support and emphasized that Ukrainians greatly value the assistance provided by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress.
Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine and praised the tenacity of Ukrainian defenders.
The President underscored Ukraine's appreciation for U.S. defense assistance and its readiness to work on purchasing the necessary means of protection for its people, primarily air defense systems. He also emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to engage in defense co-production with the United States, highlighting the country’s unique specialists and experience. That is why producing weapons jointly with Ukraine may be in America’s interest.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is firmly committed to the peace process and supports the initiative of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding an unconditional ceasefire that would open the path to a just and lasting peace.
The Head of State also emphasized that Russia does not seek genuine peace, as evidenced by its recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians. Therefore, it is necessary to exert pressure on the Russian Federation that will prevent it from scaling up the production of means of terror. The President thanked the senators for supporting the bill on new, tough U.S. sanctions against Russia.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, continued cooperation, and joint efforts under the U.S.-Ukraine economic partnership agreement.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Our Defense Production Potential Has Surpassed $35 Billion
At the Defense Industry Forum in The Hague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on partners to take a more active role in joint defense production, supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and strengthening European security.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine’s defense production potential has already surpassed $35 billion. This includes nearly one thousand types of products – from artillery and traditional armored vehicles to advanced drones of all types and missiles. However, about 40% of this potential lacks proper funding. As an example, the President noted that Ukraine is capable of producing over 8 million drones of various types annually, provided sufficient financing is available.
“At the same time, Russia is using not only its oil revenues for defense, but also the resources of regimes like North Korea and Iran, and Russia’s corrupt connections in other countries. So our united solidarity is the best answer to Russia’s war network,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President noted that Ukraine is open to various forms of cooperation in the defense sector, including sharing its expertise and achievements with those countries that help the most.
He also called on European countries to increase their defense spending, as Vladimir Putin’s objectives reach beyond Ukraine – Russia is planning new military operations on the territory of NATO member states.
“We believe that 5% of GDP is the right level. A united Europe can create a defense capability that will destroy Russia’s illusion that war with Europe could bring it anything,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called on partners to ensure that their countries and companies are in no way assisting Russia and its accomplices. According to him, there is not a single significant Russian weapon today that is produced without components, equipment, or materials from other countries.
“This must stop. Such components can be found in every Russian missile, in most of their drones, and in military vehicles. And it’s not just China – also Taiwan, some of these parts come from European countries and from the United States. Every single component or machine tool delivered to Russia’s defense sector helps prolong the war and is a crime against peace,” the President concluded.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Holds Joint Meeting with President of the European Council, President of the European Commission and NATO Secretary General
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to coordinate efforts between the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance.
“For us, the most important thing is the unity of NATO countries, of all of Europe and the European Union. This opens the path to strengthening Ukraine, providing us with strong support to help all our people. Thank you for the air defense, the additional military packages, and for standing firmly with us,” said the Head of State.
Mark Rutte expressed confidence that future support for Ukraine will be ensured and will be closely linked to NATO Member States’ defense spending.
The President noted that Ukraine also counts on active cooperation with EU Member States within the framework of the new SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defense instrument, which envisages up to EUR 150 billion in funding for the development of Europe’s defense industry.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on Ukraine’s EU accession talks. Ukraine expects the leaders of EU Member States to reach consensus on the opening of the first negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals.”
“I very much welcome the recent European Commission assessment of your remarkable reform efforts under such difficult conditions. Without doubt, we have met the conditions for moving forward with the EU accession process,” noted António Costa.
The parties also discussed in detail additional sanctions against the Russian Federation and the preparation of the EU’s 18th sanctions package, which should increase pressure on Russia’s energy and banking sectors, as well as its shadow fleet, and lower the price cap on Russian oil to USD 30.
“We must pressure President Putin into sitting down at the negotiating table and engaging in serious talks on a just and lasting peace. That is why the 18th sanctions package will be tough and impactful,” added Ursula von der Leyen.
If Russia Feels That We Are Striking Back Hard and Painfully, Then Peace Will Become the Most Popular Topic in Moscow – The President
While addressing the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russia and further support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The Head of State noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia has used 28,743 Shahed drones against Ukraine. In June of this year alone, they have already launched 2,736.
“Russia could never have done this without its ties to the regime in Iran. And we in Ukraine could never have shot down most of these drones without the support of our partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President also noted that Russian propagandists continue to threaten other countries, while intelligence services in Ukraine, the Netherlands, and other European nations believe that Russia is planning hostile operations on NATO territory.
According to the Head of State, the response to Russian aggression must be political isolation and stronger sanctions.
“War plans must become deadly expensive for Russia. We need to truly block their tanker fleet – and cut them off from international banking,” he said.
The Head of State underscored the need for a strong 18th EU sanctions package. In order to truly limit Russia’s ability to wage war, the price cap on Russian oil must be brought down to 30 dollars per barrel.
“Putin pretends he doesn’t understand what rules shape the modern world. And here in The Hague, I want to say this very clearly – for Putin. There is a rule – do not kill. There is a rule – do not act like a beast toward people. There is a rule – do not burn down cities and villages. There is also a rule – do not justify or sponsor terror. There is a rule – do not steal children. And if you break such rules, there must be responsibility,” the President stated.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands for its tangible support to the Ukrainian people, for the new defense package, and for backing domestic weapons production in Ukraine. He also emphasized the importance of increasing defense spending in European countries.
Presidents of Ukraine and France Discuss Further Diplomatic Efforts
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of France Emmanuel Macron to coordinate their next joint steps and discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and enhancing support for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader informed his French counterpart about the situation on the battlefield and the consequences of Russian attacks targeting civilians. Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense remains a critical need.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Mirage fighter jets have significantly boosted Ukraine’s strike aviation capabilities, particularly in intercepting enemy UAVs and cruise missiles. The two leaders discussed the possibility of expanding the number of Mirage jets provided to Ukraine, as well as joint production of interceptor drones to counter Russia’s massive strikes on civilian infrastructure using Iranian drones.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France also discussed expanding cooperation between the defense industries of the two countries.
They paid detailed attention to the development of the Coalition of the Willing and to further diplomatic efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace. The leaders also focused on increasing pressure on the Russian Federation and introducing tougher sanctions: lowering the price cap on Russian oil and imposing sanctions on Russian LNG.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron coordinated positions ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague and discussed the situation in the Middle East.
President of Ukraine Had an Audience with the King of the Netherlands
During his official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
The Head of State thanked the Netherlands for its solidarity with Ukrainians and expressed his personal gratitude to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima for their support of Ukraine and of Ukrainians who have found refuge in the Netherlands.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and has no intention of stopping, which is why strong and coordinated pressure on the Russian Federation is needed, including through sanctions.
The President also highlighted the Netherlands’ role in consolidating international efforts to establish an effective mechanism for holding the Russian Federation accountable.
https://www.president.gov.ua/news/