The Netherlands will “substantially contribute” to the delivery of additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, according to outgoing Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on Monday. The Netherlands itself also has three Patriot systems, but cannot spare them.
The United States wants to supply more Patriot systems to Ukraine through NATO, but these must be paid for by Europe.
Brekelmans had a meeting on Monday afternoon with colleagues from Ukraine and about fifty other countries, including the US. During this meeting, Ukraine urged to seize the opportunity now that US President Donald Trump is willing to supply more.
The Netherlands itself still has three Patriot systems, but says it cannot spare them. It is not yet entirely clear what the “substantial contribution” of the Netherlands entails, but it probably involves a financial contribution. “The exact details of the Dutch contribution will be worked out in the short term,” the Ministry of Defense said.
The intention is that more will be announced this week. Germany, which has taken the lead in supplying Patriots to Ukraine as quickly as possible, speaks of a few days.
According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Germany is contributing to the delivery of five Patriot systems. Our eastern neighbors will probably send two of their five own Patriots to Ukraine and contribute financially to the delivery of three others.