The Dutch visit by Ukrainian President Zelensky “shows the important role played by the Netherlands in supporting Ukraine,” says CDA deputy Derk Boswijk. Zelensky also visited the Senate and the House of Representatives this morning. “That was a special moment.”
Following his visit to parliament, the president traveled to the World Forum in The Hague, where he addressed, inter alia, a special court of Ukraine in Hofstad. Then he left for the Catshuis to meet Prime Minister Rutte and Belgian Prime Minister De Croo.
Later, Rutte said that the Netherlands is looking into the possibility of supplying F-16s to Ukraine with other countries. An “interesting” moment, according to European journalist Geert Jan Hahn. “Rutte indicates very clearly that they are working towards a closure and that the efforts of the Netherlands and a number of other countries aim to send F-16s to Ukraine.”
According to Hahn, it depends mainly on the United States, and in particular on President Joe Biden, if and how quickly such a delivery will be made. “Biden has to deliver the final blow here, the question is whether that will happen within his electoral term.”
Predominance
In any case, according to Rutte, supplying fighter planes ‘is not taboo’, he reiterated today. A message that the CDA also supports, says Boswijk. “It is important for Ukraine to have superiority on the battlefield, both on the ground and in the air.”
According to Boswijk, the Netherlands has an obligation to continue supplying weapons. “Without Western weapons and ammunition, they could never have held out this long. When we all say that Ukraine must win, that includes a pledge to continue supporting Ukraine.’
Big pants
However, Boswijk believes the ball is indeed in America’s court to supply F-16s. “You are always addicted to America. Besides, who are we to wear pants that are too baggy, in a country that has invested so little in its military for so long?’
According to Boswijk, Zelenski’s visit was important in order not to lose attention, he says. ‘There is great support for Ukraine among the Dutch population, but also in The Hague, but you can never be satisfied. I think Zelensky knows that too, which is why he keeps drawing attention to Ukraine with this trip.”
May 4th
Zelensky’s visit was also criticized today for choosing to schedule the visit on Remembrance Day. Caroline van der Plas (BBB) and Geert Wilders (PVV) therefore missed Zelenski’s visit to Parliament.
Zelensky mentioned the May 4 commemoration in his speech this morning. He called on the Dutch to remember fallen Ukrainians as well as Dutch war casualties tonight at 20:00. According to Hahn, that was the right move. “That word ‘also’ is an important word. I think it fits perfectly with this year’s May 4th theme.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
