Ollongren: Take a serious look at the consequences of supplying F-16s
06:00 | The Netherlands has been asked to supply F-16 fighters to Ukraine. “We need to discuss the availability of the F-16s with the Americans and other allies,” Defense Minister Ollongren told Nieuwsuur. According to Ollongren, the request is not easy. ‘We have to seriously consider the consequences, it can’t happen overnight. We have to be honest about this.’
Ukraine reports multiple rocket attacks in Zaporizhia
05:45 | At least 17 Russian missiles hit the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia in an hour on Friday morning, acting mayor Anatolii Kurtiev said.
The attacks targeted energy infrastructure, he said on the Telegram messaging app, adding that authorities were gathering information on damage and casualties.
The EU is considering whether it is possible to speed up deliveries of ammunition to Ukraine
05:15 | European government leaders will see if they can think of something to replenish Ukraine’s ammunition stockpiles more quickly. According to Charles Michel, president of the European Council, leaders at the European summit agreed that production should be increased, he said later.
Leaders discussed a proposal by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. “We have to send a clear signal to the European defense industry that production needs to be increased,” he said at the start of the meeting.
Kallas suggested that ammunition deliveries could be organized in a similar way to corona vaccines. This would mean that Europe organizes the money and the purchase, but then the ammunition goes directly to Ukraine. According to her, this would not only save money, but also time.
If that solution is chosen, Michel has left it open. According to him, it is clear that there was “broad support” during the summit for closer cooperation between EU countries and with industry when it comes to buying ammunition. European leaders will discuss it further at their next summit in March.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky came to a European summit for the first time. He also urged the heads of government that it is also in the interest of the European Union that Ukraine wins the war with Russia. The European Council has again pledged support for the country.
Volkskrant: Dutch companies still active in Russia
05:30 | Almost a year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some Dutch companies are still active in Russia, de Volkskrant reports. Like JDE Peet’s, the parent company of Douwe Egberts. Critics say they keep Putin’s war machine afloat. “You keep replenishing the treasure.”
Companies that have not left Russia do not like to talk about it, writes the newspaper. They use weighty arguments like “essential goods” and “the interests of our employees,” but they aren’t proud of them. Nearly a year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they still refer to the measured generic sentences they issued months ago in response to specific questions. We have to settle.
Unilever, Magnum ice cream seller: ‘Our position on the war in Ukraine is expressed in this statement.’ Philips, razor manufacturer: ‘I would like to refer to our statement. I have nothing to add to this.’ Swinkels Family Brewers, Bavarian brewer: ‘For answers to your questions, please refer to our website.’