Dutch Defence Minister reinforces support for Ukraine and NATO allies during high-stakes visit
Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius has pledged continued military and strategic support to Ukraine during her first official visit, meeting key leaders and Dutch troops stationed in Poland. This commitment underscores the Netherlands' role in regional security and long-term peace efforts.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Minister | Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Dutch Minister of Defence |
| Accompanied by | Tom Berendsen, Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Countries Visited | Ukraine, Poland |
| Meetings in Kyiv | President Volodymyr Zelensky, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov |
| Dutch Military Presence | 230 personnel in Poland, operating Patriot air defence systems |
| Mission in Poland | Protecting NATO airspace and a key logistics hub for Ukraine |
| Commitment | Unwavering support for Ukraine, focus on lasting peace and cooperation |
| Date | 2 March 2026 |
The Dutch Ministry of Defence plays a critical role in safeguarding national and international security, including contributions to NATO missions and military support for allies. This visit highlights the Netherlands' strategic involvement in addressing geopolitical tensions and reinforcing defence partnerships.
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Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius makes first official visit to Ukraine and Poland
Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius has visited Ukraine as part of her first official trip since taking office. She travelled to the country alongside her Foreign Affairs counterpart, Tom Berendsen. In Kyiv, she met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The Dutch delegation then proceeded to Poland, where Yeşilgöz-Zegerius visited the Air and Missile Defence Task Force. Around 230 Dutch military personnel are currently stationed there, helping to defend NATO airspace along the eastern flank, including through the deployment of Patriot air defence systems.
During the meetings in Kyiv, Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Berendsen reaffirmed that the Netherlands will continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine. The discussions also covered cooperation with partners and strategic developments in Ukraine.
Long-term peace
At a press briefing in the Ukrainian capital, the Defence Minister made clear the Netherlands’ commitment: “The Netherlands will continue to take a leading role in supporting Ukraine. We will continue to do everything in our power to achieve lasting peace, which is essential for the security of us all.” The cooperation also flows the other way, as the Netherlands can learn from the military innovations and battlefield experience gained by Ukrainian forces.
Troop visit
In Poland, Yeşilgöz-Zegerius was briefed on the air defence operations of the Air and Missile Defence Task Force, which aim to counter Russian aggression at a distance. The primary mission is to protect a key logistics hub supplying aid to Ukraine.
Yeşilgöz-Zegerius had expressed her intention to visit troops soon after taking office. She praised the Dutch servicemen and women in Poland for their efforts. “What you are doing here is no small feat,” she told the troops. “It’s a shame not every Dutch person can see this for themselves, because your work here is incredibly important. You are putting into practice what Defence stands for. Thank you for your dedication.”