At the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, paid a visit to Ukraine on October 6, 2025. 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.
President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Schoof reaffirmed their joint determination to counter Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Prime Minister Schoof reiterated Dutch full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The leaders further emphasized their readiness to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple domains. Alongside security and defense, these also include the economic, financial, social, and humanitarian spheres, thereby reinforcing the long-term resilience of Ukraine and its people.
During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in restoring comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine and ensuring security in Europe and the entire Euro-Atlantic area.
In light of Russia’s reckless violations of NATO airspace in September – ranging from drone incursions to fighter jet flights over the national airspace of European countries – the leaders stressed that the security of the entire European continent is at stake. The increasingly irresponsible Russian actions require a strong and united response. Against this backdrop, both leaders pledged to deepen collaboration and to consolidate efforts aimed at confronting Russia’s systematic attempts to destabilize Europe.
The leaders once again called Russia for an immediate launching a credible and inclusive peace process in accordance with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. They underlined that any future peace arrangement must be accompanied by reliable, enforceable, and lasting security guarantees for Ukraine. In this context, they noted the active role of the Netherlands within the Coalition of the Willing.
The leaders highly appreciated the comprehensive assistance provided by the Netherlands to Ukraine, including in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, contributing to predictable and sufficient financial needs, and supporting recovery and reconstruction. Separately, gratitude was expressed to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for providing shelter to Ukrainians who were forced to temporarily leave their homeland due to Russia's aggressive war.
Pursuant to the Agreement on Security Cooperation concluded between Ukraine and the Netherlands of March 1, 2024, the Dutch side reaffirmed its commitment to continue delivering political, military, financial, and moral support to Ukraine.
Ukraine expressed its deep gratitude to the Netherlands for being the very first country to contribute to the PURL mechanism for the joint procurement of U.S. weapons to further enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
President Zelenskyy praised his counterpart for the outstanding Dutch leadership in strengthening Ukraine’s Air Defense capabilities, namely for transferring F-16 fighter jets, PATRIOT systems along with missiles and other so much needed equipment.
Looking ahead, the Netherlands and Ukraine confirmed their commitment to joint defense projects. They pledged to expand cooperation between their respective industries, with a particular emphasis on facilitating the co-production of Ukrainian equipment within the Netherlands. The sides agreed to accomplish the work and sign the Memorandum of Understanding on joint production of drones.
Both leaders underlined the crucial importance of ensuring accountability for Russia’s aggression and war crimes. They highlighted the leading role played by the Netherlands in this domain, particularly through its support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The leaders also identified the next urgent priority: advancing the creation of an international Compensation Mechanism. In this regard, Ukraine welcomes the Dutch initiative to hold a diplomatic conference in December to adopt the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO. The Dutch side recognized the substantial progress made in implementing reforms and both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to Ukraine’s reform agenda. They noted the significance of the annual Ukrainian-Dutch Intergovernmental Conference (Lviv Conference), first held in April 2025 as a forum to strengthen bilateral relations and support Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Expressing deep concern regarding the abduction by Russia of thousands of Ukrainian children, the leaders agreed to continue their cooperation including within the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in order to bring all of them back to ensure their welfare, strengthen mental health, wellbeing and living conditions.
Finally, the leaders underscored that until Russia ceases its aggression and engages constructively in peace negotiations, the Netherlands will continue to intensify pressure on Russia, in close coordination with allies and partners. This includes tightening sanctions by targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” countering Russia’s oil and gas trade, introducing stronger financial restrictions, and combating persistent efforts at sanctions evasion. The leaders also agreed to work constructively towards taking additional measures on the basis of Russia’s frozen sovereign assets.
Beyond security and reforms, the Netherlands and Ukraine expressed a mutual desire to further expand bilateral trade and investment. Both leaders highlighted the crucial role of economic cooperation in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and welcomed opportunities to engage the private sector in joint projects. Besides that, the Netherlands will continue to support critical recovery and assistance to the repair of destroyed energy infrastructure, schools and rehabilitation services, amongst others via the World Bank in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Schoof expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him, and his admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people. President Zelenskyy, in turn, thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and for the Netherlands’ steadfast solidarity with Ukraine in its most challenging times.
