2 years of war in Ukraine: what is the Netherlands doing?

Russia began a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. This was a further escalation of the Russian occupation of Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine since 2014.

Over the past 2 years, Russia has destroyed Ukrainian villages and cities – devastating the lives of many Ukrainians. Ukrainians still fight daily for their lives and freedom. In areas occupied by Russia, millions of Ukrainians suffer under the cruelty of the Russian occupation.

At the same time, Ukraine fights for the freedom and security of all Europe. Because if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, the danger does not stop there. That is why the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. It is important that the Netherlands continues to take responsibility and, together with other countries, does its utmost to support Ukraine. There is no alternative. If Ukraine loses the war, the costs for the Netherlands will be many times higher.

The Netherlands supports Ukraine in various areas:

• Military support: such as equipment and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
• Justice for Ukraine: ensuring that war crimes do not go unpunished and that people affected by the war receive compensation.
• Sanctions against Russia: to make it more difficult for Russia to finance the war.
• Reconstruction: support to repair damage where it is most needed, such as water pipes, roads, hospitals, or electricity networks.
• Humanitarian aid: supporting international, Dutch and Ukrainian organizations in delivering aid goods, providing drinking water (filters), medicines, food and protection, and helping civilian victims.
• Other support: The Netherlands also helps Ukraine with support for healthcare, psychosocial support for victims, protection against cyberattacks, and support for agriculture.

All this support is interconnected. For example, reconstruction or the return of refugees is not possible if Ukraine is not safe. And sustainable peace is only possible if war crimes are punished and victims are compensated.

The Netherlands supports with weapons, training, equipment, and other materials needed for the Ukrainian troops. In total, the Netherlands has already provided more than €2.63 billion in military support to Ukraine. For 2024, the Netherlands has reserved an amount of €2 billion. Read more about military support to Ukraine.

Ukraine is currently investigating more than 100,000 registered war crimes in the country, such as the destruction of homes and hospitals, murder, rape, and abduction of children – and the number continues to rise. The Netherlands also wants those responsible for these crimes to be prosecuted.

• The Netherlands has sent four missions with forensic experts to Ukraine via the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes.
• The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression in The Hague investigates the crime of aggression against Ukraine, aiming to prosecute those responsible. The cabinet also supports and is willing to host a proposed aggression tribunal in The Hague.
• The Netherlands provides training and legal support to Ukrainian public prosecutors and judges, as most registered war crimes will be prosecuted by Ukraine itself.
• The Claims Register is located in The Hague for registering war damage claims from Ukrainian citizens, companies, and governments. This register still needs to be supplemented with an organization that can ensure that registered claims will be compensated by Russia.
• The Netherlands supports and finances research into tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia via the OSCE.

Ukraine can only continue the fight as long as the country remains economically stable. For example, to pay salaries of healthcare workers, police officers, and teachers, and to repair roads or energy networks.

• To keep the economy running, the Netherlands provides budget support via international financial institutions and the European Union (EU).
• The Netherlands supports businesses to contribute to the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine, especially in areas where the Netherlands has knowledge and expertise: agriculture, water, and healthcare. There is also export credit insurance to cover risks of doing business in Ukraine.
• To ensure Ukrainians do not suffer from cold, the Netherlands supplies parts for the Ukrainian energy network.
• The Netherlands contributes through various organizations to the removal of landmines in Ukraine. Currently, this country has the most mines in the world.

Together with all EU countries, the Netherlands has so far adopted 13 sanction packages against Russia. The goal of these sanctions is to limit Russias ability to continue the war (for example through export restrictions), make it increasingly difficult for Russia to finance the war, and to put additional pressure on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. Read more about the purpose and goals of sanctions.

Approximately 6 million Ukrainians are refugees abroad. About 4 million are internally displaced within the country. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Netherlands has so far received more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Read more about the reception of refugees from Ukraine.

The future of Ukrainians and our future are closely connected. That is why the Netherlands stands behind Ukraine, together with all EU countries. On February 1, 2024, all EU countries agreed on a long-term support package of €50 billion for Ukraine for the period 2024-2027. In addition, the cabinet has reserved over €2 billion for 2024 to further support Ukraine.

Ten-year security agreement with Ukraine

The Netherlands will soon sign a security agreement with Ukraine for the next ten years. This agreement signals the cabinets intention to support Ukraine long-term in security, defense, reconstruction, and justice. This helps Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

Conference on justice for Ukraine

On April 2, the Netherlands, together with Ukraine and the European Commission, will organize an international ministerial conference on justice for Ukraine at the World Forum in The Hague. The goal is to combat impunity and compensate victims. Read more about the conference.