Zelenskiy & Dutch PM Schoof: Russia Must Pay for Ukraine War Destruction

International Justice & Reparations

• 💡 The Netherlands will host the International Claims Commission to compensate for war damages in Ukraine, an initiative signed by 35 countries.
• 🎯 Accountability is a top priority for the Netherlands, emphasizing that Russia's deliberate attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and people cannot go unpunished.
• 🔑 The ultimate goal is a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine, which necessitates legal justice for the millions affected by Russian aggression.

Military & Financial Support

• 🚀 The Netherlands is providing €700 million for defense next year and recently contributed €50 million for F-16s and air defense from the United States.
• 💰 The European Council will determine financial provisions for Ukraine's urgent needs in 2026 and 2027, with discussions ongoing this week.
• ⚡ Ukraine faces significant financial challenges and requires funding for drone production, air defense, and other essential weapons.

Frozen Russian Assets Debate

• 📊 The Netherlands prefers using frozen Russian assets for recovery loans to Ukraine, viewing it as a just choice under the right conditions.
• ⚠️ There is a need for legally binding guarantees to mutualize the risk among EU member states regarding the use of frozen assets.
• 🧩 Ukraine hopes that the use of frozen assets can balance potential reductions in aid from other countries, providing crucial financial support.

Security & EU Membership

• ✅ Discussions are ongoing with the US for strong, legally binding security guarantees, including "Article 5 like" provisions supported by the US Congress.
• 🤝 A Coalition of the Willing is prepared to provide security guarantees after a ceasefire, with different countries offering various forms of support based on their capabilities.
• 🇪🇺 The Netherlands fully supports Ukraine's EU membership, considering it a crucial economic security guarantee and an irreversible geopolitical course.

Battlefield Realities

• ⚔️ Russia continues massive attacks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure, but Ukrainian forces are holding their positions despite the difficulties.
• 🧠 Putin disregards human losses in his attempts to gain ground for negotiations, making Russian assaults particularly brutal.
• 🛠️ Ukraine's army and mobilized people are a key security guarantee, and continued financial support is essential to retain their experience and capabilities.