The Netherlands will allocate €22 million for air defense and cybersecurity and provide ammunition to Ukraine

5 December, 2024 Launch of an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile from a NASAMS air defense system. Photo from open sources The Dutch government will allocate an additional EUR22 million to Ukraine for air defense and cyber resilience.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced this on Wednesday, December 4. The Ukrainian Defense Forces will also receive about 30,000 sets of military uniforms. According to the Minister, at a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council held the day before, he "emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities."

Veldkamp added that Russia's actions directly threaten NATO. In this regard, he mentioned "military buildup, air intrusions, and acts of sabotage."

Patriot air defense system launcher for Ukraine. Fall 2024.

Photo credits: Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defense of the Netherlands

"We should be equally concerned that third countries are facilitating the Russian war machine. This requires a more decisive and coordinated response from NATO and its members. First and foremost, we must continue our commitment to support Ukraine.

There is simply no alternative," the Dutch Foreign Minister emphasized. The Dutch Ministry of Defense also reported that it plans to transfer about thirty thousand sets of used military uniforms to Ukraine. It is noted that the Dutch military has already switched to a new uniform, and the old one will be prepared for transfer to Ukraine as part of defense assistance.

Military uniforms being prepared for shipment to Ukraine.

The Netherlands, December 2024. Photo credits: Dutch Ministry of Defense

Representatives of the uniform and personal equipment company and inmates from the Almelo prison will inspect, sort, and wash the old uniforms and prepare them for shipment to Ukraine. "The aim is to eventually provide about 30,000 uniforms for reuse in the conflict zone," the statement said.

The Ukrainian crew on the minesweeper Zr.

Ms. Makkum. Photo credits: Olaf Kraak

In addition, the crew of the Ukrainian Navy underwent training on the Dutch minesweeper Zr.Ms.

Makkum, which lasted two months.

A total of 35 Ukrainian sailors were involved in the exercise, familiarized themselves with the ship, and received appropriate training for future service on this minesweeper.