Dutch sentiment regarding the MH17 air disaster plays a role in Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky’s warm reception in the Netherlands. So says international relations researcher Laurien Crump of Utrecht University.
He points out that that’s not the only reason, because there are also historical explanations for strong Dutch sentiment towards Ukraine. Crump argues that there is currently a “cold war mentality”. “You can see it emerging very clearly now,” he says. “During the Cold War, for example, the Dutch were fiercely opposed to the Soviet Union. What was anti-Soviet rhetoric and sentiment then, you see again now. But then as anti-Russian sentiment.’
“See the Cold War sentiment grow”
According to Crump, the flaring of that sentiment is also linked to support for the United States, another Cold War parallel. He argues that as soon as the Netherlands feels threatened, it becomes an all the more loyal ally to the United States. “And now they are shaping themselves as leaders against Russian aggression, and the Netherlands is also on board,” he continues. “That explains the strong anti-Russian sentiment.”
defence
Crump argues that the fact that the Netherlands does not have a large military also plays a role, and is therefore more attentive to these types of wars. “We feel threatened quicker and that makes us seek support quicker,” he explains, although he thinks that’s not all. For example, support in Belgium is much less pronounced, which is precisely why Zelensky also wanted to speak with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo at the Catshuis.
Because without international visits there will be no support, argues the Ukrainian president. “And he’s right about that,” Crump says. “He needs the support of the Dutch public and the Dutch parliament to get even more weapons.” Especially since Zelensky is working hard on the new offensive, he says. “So he may well be that the current weapons are not enough.”
No chance
Crump thinks so too zElenski would have no chance of getting into Western F-16s or even NATO membership if he stayed in Ukraine now, “because this is in the news all day, of course, because it’s actually in the Netherlands.”
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.
