Dutch park defense cooperation with Russia

The Netherlands is suspending the military cooperation with Russia, Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has announced today.

She said this decision will stand until a "suitable solution" has been found for the crisis in Ukraine. The decision follows on the heels of a similar measure by NATO member states to park all civil and military cooperation with Russia, as a sanction to its annexation of Crimea a few weeks ago Hennis said exceptions will be made for activities regarding the commemoration of World War II. She said it is important that the Netherlands continues contact with Russia, hence "the decision to keep communication channels open, for instance where it regards contact between the defense attaches."