President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Dutch parliament on Tuesday that international support for Ukraine is just as crucial today as it was at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, as Kyiv engages in what he described as intensive negotiations over a possible peace deal.
Speaking in the plenary chamber of the Dutch Parliament in The Hague, Zelensky said Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and pursue a just end to the war depends on sustained backing from allies. He said diplomatic efforts are accelerating, but warned that they must not come at the expense of accountability or security.
According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS Nieuws, the address marked Zelensky’s fourth speech to the Dutch parliament since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
Support must not weaken as talks intensify
Following lengthy and intensified talks in Berlin with US representatives and European allies – including Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who joined other leaders in endorsing a joint statement on continued support for Ukraine – Zelensky said the current phase of the war is no less decisive than its opening months, even as international attention increasingly turns toward negotiations.
“Support is now just as important as it was in 2022,” he said, referring to military, financial and political assistance from partner countries. He thanked the Netherlands for its continued backing and said he hoped to return in the future to express gratitude for contributions to peace itself.
Since the start of the war, the Netherlands has provided €13.5 billion ($16 billion) in military aid and roughly €3.5 billion ($4 billion) in other forms of support. The outgoing Dutch government announced last week that an additional €700 million ($824 million) has been earmarked for Ukraine next year. Zelensky explicitly acknowledged that pledge in his speech.
Justice central to ending the war
The Ukrainian president said any settlement must be rooted in justice, including holding Russia accountable for the damage it has caused.
“Justice must be at the center of ending this war,” Zelensky said, arguing that Ukrainians cannot separate peace from accountability for Russia’s actions. He referenced the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine by a Russian-made missile, killing 298 people, many of them Dutch nationals.
Zelensky’s remarks coincided with developments in The Hague linked to accountability efforts. Tweede Kamer Speaker Thom Van Campen described the day as significant, noting that the founding treaty for an International Claims Commission for Ukraine was being signed at the World Forum in The Hague.
The commission is intended to assess Ukrainian claims for compensation related to war damage and determine the scale of reparations. Claims may be submitted by individuals, organizations and state bodies in Ukraine, with payments to come from a dedicated fund. “Russia will have to pay for the damage it has caused,” Van Campen said.
Standing ovation, but political divisions remain
Zelensky received a prolonged standing ovation from most members of parliament, similar to his previous appearances.
PVV leader Geert Wilders reiterated after the speech that, in his view, Dutch support for Ukraine should end. He also said Ukraine should never join NATO or the European Union, arguing that countries in southern Europe should bear a greater share of the burden.
Forum for Democracy (FvD) was the only party entirely absent from the address, saying it did not wish to take part in what it called a “disguised show of support” for Zelensky.
Alliances framed as vital to Dutch security
The visit came against the backdrop of the Dutch government’s broader emphasis on alliances and collective security, with it cautioning its citizens that a war could break out.
In an official directive outlining current security risks, the Dutch government said Russia’s war in Ukraine could escalate and prompt NATO to trigger Article 5, where the country has the obligation to respond.
“Various situations around the world could also lead the Netherlands to become involved in an armed conflict. For example, the war in Ukraine. This happens, for example, when one of the NATO countries is attacked. The NATO agreement stipulates that all members provide military support in such cases,” the statement says.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Defence is investing extra in combat equipment and personnel for the armed forces.”
It also listed Russia’s hybrid warfare as an active threat to Dutch security.
“Incidents that threaten security are already occurring regularly. Consider the cyberattacks on Dutch healthcare institutions. There are also incidents that point to espionage and preparations for sabotage of important Dutch facilities,” the statement says.
“For example, the AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) and MIVD (Military Intelligence and Security Service) have observed that Russia is secretly mapping internet cables, gas pipelines, and wind farms in the North Sea,” it adds. “A strong Europe and a strong NATO are in our own best interest.”
Zelensky echoed that logic in his speech, arguing that Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression is inseparable from the security of Europe as a whole – and that sustained solidarity remains essential as the war enters a critical phase.
Note: After this piece was published, NOS issued a correction clarifying that PVV and BBB did, in fact, applaud. Kyiv Post has updated the article to reflect this.