This winter, Russia has targeted both power plants and gas infrastructure, deliberately leaving Ukrainian citizens in the dark and cold. The Ukrainian economy is also heavily impacted as businesses and institutions need gas and electricity to function.
Veldkamp: “The Netherlands does not want to watch as Russia cowardly tries to disrupt Ukrainian society and break the morale of its citizens by attacking the energy network. Therefore, I am glad that the cabinet was able to allocate funds to help Ukrainians get through the winter.”
Minister Veldkamp visited Kyiv on Thursday, where he spoke with his colleague Sybiha, President Zelenskyy, and Vice Prime Minister Stefanishyna. During the talks, Veldkamp emphasized that Ukraine can count on military, financial, and moral support from the Netherlands.
“It has been almost 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine, a sad anniversary. Since then, the Russian army has been sowing death and destruction in Ukrainian society with continuous attacks. There are no signs that Russia will step back. Ukraine still needs our support and that of our EU and NATO partners. I assured my colleagues today that the Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary.”
Veldkamp announced an additional contribution of €7 million to the Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (UCAP) from NATO. The UCAP provides non-lethal support to Ukraine, including fuel, medical supplies, winter equipment, and drone jammers.
Veldkamp also stated that the Netherlands will continue to advocate for new EU sanctions against Russia, measures against sanction evasion, and will make maximum efforts to achieve justice for Ukrainian citizens.
In addition to meetings with his Ukrainian colleagues, Minister Veldkamp visited a drone factory and a Ukrainian NGO for veterans in Ukraine. He also spoke with Ukrainian students from the Kyiv School of Economics and, together with Minister Sybiha, laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance to honor fallen soldiers.