Dutch PM Schoof calls for more pressure on Russia to force Ukraine peace talks results

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has said that the pressure on Russia needs to be “ramped up.” Schoof feels that this would stop Russia from continuing to delay the peace talks with Ukraine. “Only through talks between Ukraine and Russia can there be a form of peace,” said Schoof after his arrival in Tirana, where European heads of state and government are meeting for a summit.

“You slowly start to think that they do not want peace,” Schoof said about the Russian government. “For the Netherlands, but actually for all European countries, it is unacceptable that this war is still ongoing. Let alone that Ukraine will eventually come under Russian control.”

That is why Schoof thinks that Russia should be put under pressure. The prime minister added that the U.S. is increasing the pressure on Russia, and that they are getting annoyed with the non-cooperation from Russia. “That is an important sign.” He also thinks that the new sanctions against Russia from the European Union will remain important.

“Eventually, there has to be a ceasefire and the Russian aggression against Ukraine has to stop,” Schoof added. “If a ceasefire ever comes, then of course we are ready to play our part in it.” The prime minister did not elaborate on what the Netherlands would do in this scenario.

The military plans of the coalition of the willing are as good as complete, Schoof said. Once a ceasefire is announced, the coalition of 31 countries that pledged to support Ukraine will look into delegating the responsibilities. “Many countries, including the Netherlands, have to make careful decisions within their Cabinet and parliament, but this can be done quickly.”

The EU chiefs of defense said on Thursday that it is for the politicians to finally make a decision. Schoof responded to this by saying it is too early for this. “We have always said that there must be a ceasefire and a prospect of peace before we take any political decisions.”