Zelensky pushes Netherlands to send weapons, stop buying Russian gas, and cut all ties

At 10:25 AM this morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the Dutch parliament for more support against Russia.

In his video-conferenced address, Zelensky appealed to Dutch history to underline the importance of ending the ongoing war against the Russian aggressor in Ukraine, reports the NOS.

The Ukrainian president is also demanding more support. To succeed against the Putin regime, the Netherlands must cut all trade ties with Russia, deliver more arms, and help Ukraine join the European Union, according to Zelensky.

Appeal to Dutch History

Zelensky draws a parallel between the Eighty Years’ War that freed the Netherlands from Spanish occupation and led the country to independence.

“The Netherlands is celebrating its 450th anniversary of the end of tyranny, and this is how the path towards a united Europe began.,” said Zelensky.

Translation: #Zelensky refers to the taking of Den Briel on April 1, 1572, by the watergeuzen [Dutch rebels] at the beginning of the revolt against the Spanish.

The Ukrainian president also reminded the Dutch parliament that WWII must be prevented at all costs but history tends to repeat itself.

He says: “The Second World War began with an attack on only a few countries. Then, bombs were dropped on London and Rotterdam.”

The most recent historical reference was to the aeroplane MH17, which was shot down by Russian missiles over Ukraine in 2014 and killed 196 Dutch passengers. “This offence has not been forgiven. Those who have given the order must be held accountable,” says Zelensky.

Zelensky’s demands

The Ukrainian president also made concrete demands for the Dutch government to help his country against the Russian invasion.

For one, the Netherlands must cut all ties to Russia. Especially the boycotting of Russian oil and gas is important, says Zelensky. Otherwise, the Netherlands is directly funding the Putin regime in its attack on Ukraine.

READ MORE | The Netherlands aims to be independent of Russian gas: how would it work?

Instead, the Dutch government should opt for stronger sanctions. Also to prevent the war from spreading beyond Ukraine into Europe.

Another demand is that the Netherlands should send even more weapons to Ukraine. “You [the Dutch government] are leaders in the support of us, but we need more weapons to defeat the occupier.”

What do you think about these demands Zelensky has for the Dutch government? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: Wiki Commons/Public Domain

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
Cara Räker 🇩🇪
Cara moved to the Netherlands at fifteen and she is here to stay! After all, there is so much to love about it, except maybe the bread (as every German will tell you). Next to finishing up her bachelor's degree in European politics (dry), Cara loves to do yoga, swim, and cook delicious veggie food.

1 COMMENT

  1. Killing of innocent soul most stop, has been following this war on the Internet, Dutch government sending weapon to Ukraine for support is not bad idea, the Dutch government also need to understand that dialogue is the best way for dis call, to prevent the scalation of this war, Say know to war – embrace peace.

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