Dutch PM Schoof in Zaporizhzhia announces new €200 million aid package for Ukraine

Dick Schoof announced this in X.

‘We must do everything possible to help Ukraine keep going. On the front lines, but also in people’s daily lives. That’s why the Netherlands is providing a substantial new support package worth over €200 million,’ the Dutch Prime Minister said.

According to him, the new aid package will be aimed at protecting and repairing energy infrastructure, as well as at additional funding for humanitarian aid.

‘People in Ukraine have the right to live in freedom and security. And stopping Russia’s attacks on Ukraine is in the security interests of both the Netherlands and Europe as a whole,’ Skoof said.

Talks with Zelenskyy

President Zelenskyy held talks with the Dutch prime minister, during which the officials discussed the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense forces, new air defense systems and missiles.

In addition, the leaders discussed F-16s for Ukraine, as well as all the necessary weapons for defense against the Russian army - shells for soldiers, equipment and protection of life throughout the country - including energy. 

‘We also talked about the Netherlands taking patronage over Zaporizhzhia: it's infrastructure, it's protection of normal life, it's humanitarian issues. This is something that will definitely help Ukraine. And we appreciate all the support from the people of the Netherlands, personally from Prime Minister Rutte and all political and public figures from the Netherlands,’ the President added.

Visit to Zaporizhzhia

Zelenskyy shared on his Telegram, that together with Schoof they attended a themed lesson together at one of Zaporizhzhia's schools. Zelenskyy and Schoof spoke with students from the 1st and 11th grades, offering their congratulations on the first day of the new school year.

Additionally, Schoof presented the students with several popular Dutch books translated into Ukrainian.

"We're proud of our young heroes who continue to study and resist in Ukraine despite everything," the president said. "Thank you for your unwavering love for our country!"

• During this academic year, around 13,000 children in the Kharkiv region are expected to return to in-person schooling.