Ukraine and the Netherlands will strengthen their partnership in the field of security and defense, particularly in implementing innovations. The Netherlands will allocate funding for the production of technological weapons.

This was discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration, Sergiy Boyev, and the Defense Attaché at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ukraine, Colonel Hans Hoppenreijs.

The meeting's primary subjects were the implementation of the Security Cooperation Agreement, which was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in March of this year, and deepening cooperation within initiatives to increase the production of unmanned systems and other modern defense products.

Sergiy Boyev emphasized the importance of strategic support from the Netherlands, in particular the provision of critical weapons, financing of the Ukrainian defense industry, as well as fostering joint projects between the defense industries of Ukraine and the Netherlands. The parties agreed to establish feedback mechanisms within these initiatives to allow for quick updates and improvements in defense solutions based on field experience.

In turn, Defense Attaché Hans Hoppenreijs expressed support for the efforts of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in developing new defense initiatives. The parties discussed the Netherlands' allocation of 400 million euros for the development of drone production, as announced by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans during his visit to Ukraine in early October. Colonel Hoppenreijs highlighted the Netherlands' interest in developing partnerships with other countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, to strengthen joint security support.

During the meeting, on behalf of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Sergiy Boyev awarded Colonel Hoppenreijs the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine's Cross of Honor. This prestigious award recognized the colonel's significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, his active and proactive stance on deepening bilateral cooperation, and securing military aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The award ceremony also marked the conclusion of Colonel Hoppenreijs' diplomatic mission in Ukraine.