Netherlands joins coalition for Ukraine's drones
Kajsa Ollongren, Dutch Defense Minister (Getty Images)
Amsterdam has announced its commitment to join the coalition providing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) support to Ukraine, bolstering Kyiv's capabilities in its war against Russia, according to Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
The Dutch commitment adds to the ongoing assistance to Ukraine, which includes the supply of F-16 fighter jets, artillery, ammunition, and anti-aircraft defense systems.
According to the minister, the Netherlands could incur additional costs of up to 2 billion euros in addition to the funds allocated for 2024.
"We know of course that drones are very important in this war. That’s why we are joining the drone coalition that Ukraine has started together with Latvia, together with other countries, to make sure that we do just that - increase production, use the latest technology and to provide exactly what Ukraine needs," she said.
Backstory
On December 12, 2023, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and his Latvian counterpart Andris Spruds discussed the establishment of a drone coalition. The Ukrainian official expressed gratitude to Latvia for the initiative.
According to the Latvian minister, over 20 countries have already joined the drone coalition.
