Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten commented on Russian threats to take “retaliatory measures” against European countries hosting joint drone production enterprises with Ukraine, stating that the Netherlands will not yield to Russian pressure and will continue to strengthen its support for Ukraine.
He said this in Middelburg during a press conference.
“This is a kind of Russian intimidation playbook aimed at scaring everyone, hoping to deter them from providing full support to Ukraine. We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed in this way,” he said, commenting on Russia’s list of “targets” in Europe.
He also noted:
“We see that the Russians are currently suffering serious losses. They are losing a huge number of troops on the front line. The Russian economy is in very poor condition, and pressure within Russian society is also increasing. So now is truly the time to step up financial and military support for Ukraine, as well as to introduce new sanctions against Russia. And after the elections in Hungary, to do everything possible to unblock financial assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible and accelerate negotiations on its future in Europe.”
Jetten added that despite this, the Netherlands will not give in to pressure and intimidation from Russia.
“We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by Russian threats. Moreover, we are exploring how Dutch and Ukrainian companies can better cooperate for the security of Ukraine, as well as the security of the Netherlands.”
