Prior to announcing the initiative, Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans and State Secretary Gijs Tuinman visited Dnipro following a major Russian missile strike, as well as a command center in eastern Ukraine. There, they met with senior Ukrainian military officials to assess the frontline situation and coordinate future support efforts.
Brekelmans emphasized that the €500 million drone program will enhance Ukraine’s battlefield effectiveness and help save lives. He noted that strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities will also reinforce its position in future peace negotiations.
During a meeting with Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, both sides discussed the full scope of the €2 billion assistance package. In addition to drones, the package includes air defense systems, ammunition, and maritime equipment. The two countries also signed an agreement to deepen industrial cooperation between their defense sectors.
