Dutch Minister on Participation in Peacekeeping Mission: We Don't Want to Rule Out Anything in Advance

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, announced this in an interview with Ukrinform.

“Our position is that we do not want to rule anything out in advance. The majority of our members of parliament also want our cabinet to take a constructive position in these discussions. However, given that this is still an evolving discussion, it is too early to make any concrete statements on this matter,” Veldkamp emphasized in response to a question about whether the Netherlands is considering participating in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine and whether it is ready to contribute its F-35s, fleet and Patriot systems after a possible ceasefire.

He also noted that this year's Munich Security Conference confirmed “what we have long recognized: our security, freedom and prosperity are not guaranteed.”

Veldkamp added that Russia's ongoing aggressive war against Ukraine, the rise of new powers and technological changes pose serious challenges. “Discussions on these issues with heads of government, ministers, NGOs and the academic community have proven very productive,” he said.

As reported, the 61st Munich Security Conference, held from 14 to 16 February, was attended by over 50 heads of state and government, about 150 ministers and heads of about 30 international organisations.