Netherlands delivers new air defense systems to Ukraine on 1,000th day of war
The Netherlands delivered new air defense systems to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russian air attacks. The Netherlands covered the 88 million euros that the delivery cost, Defense Minister Ruben Breukelmans announced a meeting of EU Defense Ministers in Brussels. The Netherlands is also taking further steps in developing attack drones for Ukraine, partly in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops in the war, he said.
“Today marks exactly 1,000 days since Ukraine was invaded on a large scale by Russia,” Brekelmans said. “North Korean soldiers are now also fighting on European soil, a new escalation. This is in addition to the aid that Russia is receiving from Iran, China, and Belarus. Ukraine desperately needs the air defense systems.”
According to Brekelmans, Russia is trying to disable the Ukrainian energy supply from the air to put more pressure on the population, especially with winter approaching. The portable air defense systems, including missiles, delivered by the Netherlands can help defend against these attacks by countering drones, aircraft, and missiles.
The Netherlands is also pushing millions of euros into developing advanced drones, including attack drones, to “help Ukraine deal with the latest escalation of the conflict,” Breukelmans said, referring to Russia deploying North Korean troops in the war.
Breukelmans reiterated the Netherlands’ dedication to support Ukraine. Over the past 1,000 days, the Netherlands has given Ukraine 3.8 billion euros in military support. “And more is on the way,” the Defense Minister said.
