PM Schoof pledges to keep Dutch parts out of Russian weapons during Ukraine visit

Dutch Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof said during a visit to Kyiv that it is “highly undesirable” for Dutch-made components to end up in Russian weapons and pledged to do everything possible to prevent it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking during the same visit, criticized the Netherlands and other countries for allowing such materials to reach Russia despite sanctions, calling it “simply strange” that nations claim they do not know how to prevent this.

Although Western sanctions prohibit Russia from directly importing technology and components from countries such as the Netherlands, some products have continued to reach Russian arms manufacturers through intermediaries. In 2023 millions of microchips produced in the Netherlands were found in Russia after being shipped via third-party traders.

Schoof said the Netherlands, together with its partners in the European Union, is working on measures to prevent sanctions evasion and will take action against companies involved in such indirect supply routes. “The Netherlands and Ukraine are in continuous contact about this problem,” he said.

During the same visit, Zelensky awarded Schoof one of Ukraine’s highest state honors — the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, First Class — in recognition of the Netherlands’ support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Schoof now joins former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who previously received the same distinction.

Pictures posted by Zelensky on X showed the two leaders in Kyiv at a memorial wall displaying photographs of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

At a joint press conference, Zelensky thanked Schoof for his continued backing. “I thank you for standing by Ukraine’s side,” he said, noting that the Netherlands remains an important donor of both humanitarian and military aid.