After the Patriot anti-aircraft guns, the Netherlands will also contribute to the supply of tanks to Ukraine. In what form is not yet known, but the delivery of F16 fighter aircraft is now also openly discussed. In the House of Representatives, the majority seems to support sending tanks, but there are also questions.
According to State Secretary Christophe van der Maat (Defence), there has not yet been a government decision on tanks, but “the willingness to make a contribution is great. We are now looking into what is possible.’ According to political journalist Sophie van Leeuwen, the idea is to rent tanks, make a financial contribution or train personnel.
The House of Representatives supports the plans, the only regret being that the cabinet plans emerged through an interview with Prime Minister Rutte in the German newspaper Frankfurther Algemeine. “The Secretary of State says this is highly confidential information that cannot be shared with everyone. Like this so be it‘, says Van Leeuwen.
Necessary
As for CDA deputy Agnes Mulder, tanks will go to Ukraine as soon as possible. “We want to get tanks from Germany and give them to Ukraine.” In this way, own, leased tanks can remain in the Netherlands. “We will invest a lot in defense and I can imagine that the Netherlands will also start buying tanks. Now you see that you need it.’
SP Member of Parliament Jasper van Dijk wants to answer first. “Russia invaded Ukraine completely unfairly, mind you. But the supply of tanks and possibly even tanks raises questions. For example, Van Dijk wants to know what agreements will be made with Ukraine on the use of tanks. “Will they be deployed in Crimea or parts of Russia? These questions certainly apply to the F16s,” says Van Dijk. According to the deputy, a hearing with an expert should clarify this.
Escalation
The question therefore is not whether or not tanks will be sent to Ukraine with Dutch support, but how, says Van Dijk. “The risk of an escalation of this war is increasing.” Mulder (CDA) sees it differently. “These tanks are for the defense of Ukraine, they can take back their country.” By this, the deputy refers to Crimea and Donbass, areas that have been annexed by Russia. “But the fact that this is now Russian territory is not internationally recognized. This statement by the Russians is not justified.”
As far as the CDA is concerned, it must therefore be clear that tanks are to be intended solely for defense purposes. Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine has the right to defend its territory. This aggression by Russia does not stop at the border, it must be stopped”.
F16
The question is whether the Netherlands should also supply F16 fighter planes. At the moment the Dutch F16s are being sold and replaced by the F35 aircraft, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter. “It seems strongly to me that the Netherlands should now lease F16s,” says Van Dijk (SP).
Also fear implementation issues here. “There is a possibility that this involves people from NATO countries because the Ukrainian Armed Forces cannot operate these aircraft. There is also a high risk of Russian airspace being invaded.” And this should be avoided, thinks the deputy.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
