Korte toespraak van minister-president Schoof tijdens de virtuele Oekraïne-top Defense and Security Strategy of Unity: Action plan
De toespraak is alleen beschikbaar in het Engels.
Mr President, Volodymyr,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
1 of my first international trips after I became prime minister of the Netherlands last summer was to Zaporizhzhia, to Ukraine. It was an experience I will never forget. I spoke to veterans, I visited an underground school and I saw with my own eyes the devastating impact of war. But what struck me above all was the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces and the Ukrainian people.
For 3 years now, you have resisted the most brutal and fierce attacks by the Russian aggressor. Fighting for freedom, fighting for independence, fighting for the right to shape your own future. The government and people of the Netherlands admire you greatly for that.
The purpose of that first visit was very clear: to reaffirm that the Netherlands stands with Ukraine and that we will continue to do so. Today I can only repeat that message, also on behalf of His Majesty the King.
Ukraine can count on our unwavering military, financial and political support.
Now and after the war, when justice must be done and Ukraine must recover. So it’s good to see so many of you here today. It shows that support for Ukraine remains strong and widespread.
Today marks the start of the fourth year of this terrible war. Let us hope that it also marks the beginning of the end.
In the past few turbulent weeks, we have been face to face with history. None of us can predict what will happen over the next few weeks and months. But whatever that may be, for the Netherlands there can be only 1 outcome. And that is a just and lasting peace, both for Ukraine and for Europe. That means a peace that not only ends hostilities here and now, but also guarantees a safe future.
That’s why it’s so important that Ukraine remains strong on the battlefield. Because we need peace through strength, not the enduring threat of war through weakness. And furthermore, it’s crucial that your voice and our voices are heard in the negotiation process. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe.
Thank you, Volodymyr, for inviting us to this summit. Thank you all for attending and showing your support. Let’s keep working together towards the best possible outcome.
Thank you and Slava Ukraini.