The Forum traditionally brought together representatives of the public sector, international organizations, cultural institutions, and civil society to discuss the role of cultural diplomacy amid global transformations and in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof, who is visiting Ukraine. Although this is not Dick Schoof’s first visit to our country, it is his first time in Kyiv.

Our Ukrainian weaponry is among the most effective in Europe, and we are ready to produce far more modern weapons. To do that, we need appropriate financing. I thank the Netherlands for supporting our production programs.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the capacity of Ukraine’s defense industry has increased by tenfold, and this potential must continue to grow. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during his speech at the third International Defense Industries Forum in Kyiv. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, also attended the event.

This high-level visit once again underscored strong Ukrainian-Dutch partnership, which rests firmly on a foundation of shared democratic values, unwavering respect for sovereignty and international law, and the recognition that Europe’s borders must remain inviolable and cannot be redrawn through aggression or the use of force.

n the midst of a full-scale war, we are able to hold such events, which demonstrate Ukrainian strength that only continues to grow. And this says a lot, primarily, about our resilience: the resilience of the Ukrainian state and the inner strength of our people.

In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders.