Key facts
- Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that Europe has been "naive and lazy" on defense for too long.
- The Netherlands, a top donor to Ukraine, has reached its limit for direct military support.
- Jetten called for increased contributions from other allies to maintain momentum in supporting Ukraine.
- He affirmed Ukraine's future membership in NATO and the EU.
- Jetten expressed doubt about Russian President Putin's readiness for genuine peace negotiations.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called for Europe to shed its "naive and lazy" approach to defense and increase its support for Ukraine, stating that the Netherlands has reached its limit for direct military aid.
In an exclusive interview with The Kyiv Independent on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Jetten emphasized that while the Netherlands will continue to provide non-military support and boost military cooperation in areas like drone and rocket production, other allies must step up. He noted that the Netherlands is among the top five donors to Ukraine and that broader international support is crucial for Ukraine to win the war against Russia.
Jetten reiterated his strong support for Ukraine's ambition to join both the European Union and NATO, stating that Ukraine's future lies within the alliance. He stressed that once the war is over, NATO countries should make it clear to Moscow that Ukraine is part of the alliance.
Addressing the possibility of peace talks, Jetten expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to engage in serious negotiations, citing ongoing aggression. He suggested that continued pressure on Putin is necessary to bring him to the negotiating table. Jetten also commented on the U.S.-European relationship, advocating for a more mature partnership where European countries take greater responsibility for their own security, a sentiment echoed by previous U.S. administrations.
He dismissed the idea that European nations might fall back into complacency, expressing confidence that the recent experiences and ongoing projects will lead to sustained investment in defense and continued support for Ukraine.