Dutch Defense Minister visits Kharkiv: His reaction to what he saw
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (photo: Getty Images)
On Sunday, October 6, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans arrived in Ukraine for an unannounced visit. In particular, he visited Kharkiv, which suffers daily from Russian shelling.
Later in the evening, he published a post in which he said that he had seen with his own eyes the consequences of heavy Russian bombing. In addition, Brekelmans emphasized that Ukraine can only protect itself from this if it keeps Russia away.
“Destroyed apartments. Lack of electricity. Children go to school in bunkers. Ukraine can only protect itself from this by keeping Russia at a greater distance,” the statement reads.
Dutch Defense Minister visits Kharkiv
Dutch Defense Minister visits Kharkiv
Dutch Defense Minister visits Kharkiv
In September, Brekelmans said that the possibility of partner countries shooting down Russian missiles and drones flying over Ukraine has more risks than benefits. According to him, this idea may not be “the most effective solution to the problem.”
He also said last month that he believes it is unlikely that Russia's war against Ukraine will be over in 2025.
“I don't think the war will end this year, I don't think it will end next year either. Of course, we need to provide as much military support to Ukraine as possible, but we need to be realistic because the situation on the battlefield is very complex,” the Dutch Defense Minister said.
