Dutch Prime Minister talks about Russian aggression after his visit to Kharkiv
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte (photo: Getty Images)
Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, has recorded a video from Kharkiv train station, detailing the ongoing situation in the city. Rutte discussed the aid efforts, the outcomes of his visit to Ukraine, and the lives of the people, according to the former Dutch Prime Minister.
Rutte stated that Kharkiv is currently experiencing heavy shelling, destruction, and loss of life. Residential and office buildings have been deliberately targeted, despite not being military targets.
"This is being done solely to intimidate people, to make them eventually surrender. But this won't work. Putin won't succeed," the prime minister emphasized.
He also described how teachers are conducting lessons for children at metro stations. Rutte called this practice abnormal, as children should be learning in regular schools. He highlighted the importance of teachers trying to create safe conditions for students even in such challenging circumstances.
Additionally, the Dutch Prime Minister shared the results of his visit:
- plans for short-term aid with a greater supply of ammunition and air defense;
- signing a bilateral security agreement between Kyiv and Amsterdam for the next 10 years;
- a new package of military assistance;
- the Netherlands' provision of €2 billion in military aid in 2024.
"We cannot allow Russia to win this fight; it concerns not only their future but also our security. At stake are our common values of humanity, democracy, and press freedom. This is of immense importance," Rutte added.
On Friday, March 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte participated in a meeting of the military cabinet in Kharkiv.
They met with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk.
Representatives of the Ukrainian armed forces shared information about the current situation on the front line, the specifics of Russian air attacks, and the need for ammunition, air defense, and armored vehicles.
Additionally, Ukraine and the Netherlands signed a bilateral security agreement. It reaffirms the decisions of the Amsterdam conference to continue cooperation to provide and expand assistance to Ukraine in defending against Russian aggression for the necessary term.
The agreement will be valid for ten years from the date of signing.
