The Netherlands intends to purchase weapons for Ukraine from the United States totaling 500 million euros. This package will include parts and missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram following a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
“This is the first such step among NATO countries at a time when Russia is trying to escalate its strikes. It will definitely help protect the lives of our people.”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
The president also emphasized that this decision is one of the practical outcomes of the NATO summit held in The Hague in June.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans noted on social media platform X that Ukraine urgently needs additional air defense systems and ammunition.
“The Netherlands is the first NATO country to provide a package of American weapons systems worth 500 million euros (including Patriot components and missiles). This is so Ukraine can resist Russian aggression, and also for the rest of Europe.”
– Ruben Brekelmans
Earlier, Brekelmans reported that after delivering 24 F-16 fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force, the priority for the Netherlands in supporting Ukraine shifted to drones. Additionally, following the 29th meeting in the “Ramstein” format, he announced the country’s significant contribution to supplying American Patriot air defense systems.
On July 14, the US and NATO signed an agreement providing for the supply of American weapons to Ukraine funded by European countries. The Secretary General of the military-political bloc, Mark Rutte, stated that under this agreement, Kyiv could receive a large number of air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition.