Rutte called on his colleagues to take steps so that Ukraine can defend itself, even in the long term and even in times of adversity. “The watchword of this summit is accountability,” said Rutte.
The summit is being held in the small, poverty-stricken neighboring country of Ukraine as part of the so-called European Political Community. “Here, in a country bordering Ukraine, the Russian threat is visibly prevalent,” Rutte said. According to Rutte, “Russia is undermining the Moldovan people’s sense of freedom and security with cyber attacks and hybrid threats. And this underscores the widespread impact of this war.’
Read the latest news about the war in Ukraine here
“The European Political Community is a forum. A sort of ‘legs on the table’, designed to bring together all of Europe. Particular things can be discussed at this summit, but today we are also discussing other problems and challenges that Europe is facing. Think of migration, for example,’ says Hahn.
Rutte’s wider message
It is Rutte’s broader message that attracts Hahn’s attention. «Rutte is really leaving all included with this war, as far as I’m concerned», he points out. This was his message in advance of him. We can no longer let Ukraine fall, says Rutte. And according to him, we must continue to the end. Now I understand why Rutte was asked to speak. He is and thinks like an Eastern European: you have to show your teeth towards Russia. Don’t give up and keep going.’
According to Hahn, it is clear that the Netherlands will in no way stop supporting Ukraine. “We don’t know how long this war will last, so it’s a statement being made here in Moldova today,” Hahn said.
Unconditional support
‘The core of his story was: more financial support, more humanitarian support and also more military support. He promised President Volodimir Zelensky that Ukraine must win and Ukraine will win,” Hahn said.
“Rutte himself doesn’t really know why he was allowed to give this speech. But he thought it was honorable. That’s why he turned it into this, along with his team of him,” Hahn said.