Denys Shmyhal discussed Ukraine’s defence priorities with Frans Timmermans

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Frans Timmermans, leader of the Green–Labour Alliance (GroenLinks–PvdA) in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands.

“Mr. Timmermans is a true friend of Ukraine, as he demonstrated during his tenure as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. I thanked him for his personal leadership in supporting Ukraine, as well as the Netherlands for its comprehensive support to our warriors,” said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

The Minister of Defence highlighted the Netherlands’ significant contribution to the PURL initiative, which provides the Defence Forces of Ukraine with critically important U.S.-made weapons. 

During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects of involving Ukraine’s defence industry in major industrial projects through the SAFE mechanism.

In addition, Denys Shmyhal briefed his counterpart on Ukraine’s priorities in armaments and financing. The parties explored ways to enhance industrial cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands under the Build in Ukraine and Build with Ukraine projects.

The Minister of Defence also emphasised the importance of developing mechanisms to channel frozen Russian assets in support of Ukraine.

“We also discussed how the Netherlands can support the recovery of our wounded warriors and those returning from captivity. I am grateful for this visit, for the solidarity shown, and for the Netherlands’ steadfast support for Ukraine,” concluded Denys Shmyhal.