At the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dick Schoof paid an official visit to Ukraine on October 6, 2025. This high-level visit once again underscored the strong Ukrainian-Dutch partnership, grounded in shared democratic values, unwavering respect for sovereignty and international law, and the recognition that Europe’s borders must remain inviolable and cannot be altered through aggression or the use of force.
President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Schoof reaffirmed their joint determination to counter Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Prime Minister Schoof reiterated the Netherlands’ full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The leaders also emphasized their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple areas — including security, defense, economic, financial, social, and humanitarian spheres — to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term resilience and that of its people.
During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to advance cooperation toward restoring a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as ensuring security across Europe and the wider Euro-Atlantic region.
In light of Russia’s reckless violations of NATO airspace in September — from drone incursions to fighter jet flights over the sovereign airspace of European countries — the leaders stressed that the security of the entire European continent is at stake. Russia’s increasingly irresponsible actions require a strong and unified response. Against this backdrop, both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation and consolidate efforts to counter Russia’s systematic attempts to destabilize Europe.
The leaders once again called on Russia to immediately begin a genuine and comprehensive peace process in accordance with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They stressed that any future peace agreements must include reliable, effective, and lasting security guarantees for Ukraine. In this context, the active role of the Netherlands within the Coalition of Willing was noted.
Both sides highly valued the Netherlands’ comprehensive assistance to Ukraine — particularly in strengthening its defense capabilities, ensuring predictable and sufficient financial support, and contributing to recovery and reconstruction. Special gratitude was expressed to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for providing refuge to Ukrainians who were forced to temporarily leave their homeland due to Russia’s war of aggression.
In line with the Security Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and the Netherlands, signed on March 1, 2024, the Dutch side reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing political, military, financial, and moral support to Ukraine.
Ukraine expressed deep appreciation to the Netherlands for being the first country to contribute to the PURL mechanism for joint procurement of U.S. weaponry, aimed at further strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
President Zelenskyy thanked his counterpart for the Netherlands’ leadership in enhancing Ukraine’s air defense, particularly through the provision of F-16 fighter jets, Patriot systems with missiles, and other urgently needed equipment.
Looking ahead, the Netherlands and Ukraine confirmed their commitment to cooperate on joint defense projects. Both sides will expand collaboration between their national defense industries, with a focus on facilitating joint production of Ukrainian equipment in the Netherlands. The parties agreed to finalize and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the joint production of drones.
Both leaders underscored the importance of ensuring Russia’s accountability for its aggression and war crimes. They acknowledged the Netherlands’ leading role in supporting the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Among their key priorities, the leaders also identified advancing the creation of an international compensation mechanism. In this regard, Ukraine welcomed the Dutch initiative to host a diplomatic conference in December to adopt the Convention on the Establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO. The Dutch side recognized Ukraine’s significant progress in implementing reforms, and both leaders expressed strong support for Ukraine’s reform agenda. They highlighted the importance of the annual Ukrainian-Dutch Intergovernmental Conference (the Lviv Conference), first held in April 2025, as a forum for strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Expressing deep concern over Russia’s abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children, the leaders agreed to continue cooperation within the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children to ensure their safe return, well-being, mental health, and improved living conditions.
In conclusion, the leaders emphasized that until Russia ceases its aggression and engages constructively in peace negotiations, the Netherlands will continue to increase pressure on Russia in close coordination with allies and partners. This includes tightening sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” curbing trade in Russian oil and gas, imposing stricter financial restrictions, and countering persistent attempts to circumvent sanctions. The leaders also agreed to work constructively on additional measures related to frozen Russian sovereign assets.
Beyond security and reforms, the Netherlands and Ukraine expressed their mutual commitment to further developing bilateral trade and investment. Both leaders underscored the key role of economic cooperation in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and welcomed opportunities to involve the private sector in joint projects. In addition, the Netherlands will continue to support critical recovery and repair efforts for Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure, schools, and rehabilitation services — including through the World Bank in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Schoof expressed sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, as well as admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people. President Zelenskyy, in turn, thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and for the Netherlands’ unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in its most difficult times.
