The Netherlands Provides Military Support to Ukraine at a Rapid Pace

Brekelmans: Unceasing waves of Russian attacks are ravaging Ukraine, both at the front line and through airstrikes across the country. It is incredibly important that we continue to enable the Ukrainian armed forces to defend themselves against this. This much-needed support must be made available as quickly as possible. If Russia gains strength, it threatens both the Ukrainians and the rest of Europe. Therefore, I am immensely grateful to all involved colleagues in our armed forces for their tireless efforts for accelerated military support to Ukraine.

As of August 31, 2025, the value of the realized Dutch military support stood at nearly €8.7 billion. That is almost half more than at the beginning of this year.

It concerns 3 types of support. Defence provides €2.4 billion directly from its own stocks. This material will be replenished or replaced as necessary as soon as possible. The commercial purchases from the industry amount to €6.1 billion. Additionally, the Netherlands contributes €179 million to NATO funds.

According to the cabinet, the support can only be sustained if the defense industry is scaled up. Companies cannot deliver quickly enough at this time. The Netherlands is therefore working with other EU countries and with the Ukrainian government and industry. There are plans for even more joint production of drones and other unmanned systems.

In addition to material, the Netherlands also provides training. Since 2022, this includes a contribution to Operation Interflex. This program in the United Kingdom is aimed at rapidly and extensively training and educating Ukrainian soldiers. It involves military basic skills and leadership training. So far, approximately 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained through Operation Interflex. The Dutch contribution will continue in 2026 with about 90 army soldiers per rotation.

Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have already been trained in Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania, with support from Dutch soldiers. In Germany, this includes a Leopard 1 tank crew training and 1 Panzer Howitzer artillery operator training. Furthermore, various units and departments of Defence are committed to providing lessons for Ukrainians in the Netherlands. These collaborations will also continue in 2026. In Romania, the Netherlands will continue to contribute with a maximum of 20 soldiers to prepare Ukrainian marine units for their tasks.