President of Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelenskyy discusses Ukraine's defense needs, situation in the Middle East with Mark Rutte

30 October 2023 - 17:27

Volodymyr Zelenskyy discusses Ukraine's defense needs, situation in the Middle East with Mark Rutte

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a video call with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte.

The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of Ukraine by the Netherlands and the timely fulfillment of previously reached agreements. This includes providing additional missiles for the Patriot air defense systems, preparations for the F-16 transfer, patrol boats, and long-term financial assistance to Ukraine.

The interlocutors discussed in detail the situation on the front lines. Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed on the defense actions in Avdiyivka in Donbas, offensive operations near Bahmut, and in the south of our country. He also touched upon the preparation of Ukraine's energy system for the winter period.

The Head of State informed about the continuation of the grain corridor in the Black Sea and Ukraine's defense needs to protect people, critical infrastructure, and the country's port facilities.

"It is important to preserve our infrastructure, the grain corridor. We are grateful for your support – support of your people, your team, and, of course, for the military support. This is very important. Thank you also for the decision regarding the aircraft. They will help us control the sky," the President of Ukraine said.

The parties noted the successful conduct of the third advisors' meeting in Malta on the implementation of the key principles of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Netherlands' representative in this event.

The President also thanked for the initiation of bilateral negotiations on security guarantees in accordance with the Joint Declaration of support for Ukraine. He said that the Netherlands became the first non-G7 country that started such negotiations.

The Head of State also called on the EU to speed up work on the 12th package of sanctions against Russia and to develop an effective mechanism for directing the earnings from frozen Russian assets for the reconstruction of our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte also discussed the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on assistance to citizens of Ukraine and the Netherlands who are in need.

The President said that it is in the interest of the entire world to prevent further escalation and the outbreak of a larger war. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready to work together with its partners to put an end to terror and protect civilian lives.