Netherlands approves Ukraine's deep strikes on Russia with Dutch weapons

The Netherlands has affirmed Ukraine's right to strike targets within Russia using the weapons provided by Dutch forces.

In a statement to a German newsaper, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized that Ukraine can lawfully use Dutch-supplied weapons to defend itself, including strikes on Russian territory, in line with international law, Caliber.Az reports.

Brekelmans underlined that Ukraine’s right to self-defence extends to targeting military installations in Russia if attacks originate from Russian border regions or airfields. He also stated that enemy missiles can be intercepted by Dutch weapons over Russian airspace.

"International law is not confined by distance," Brekelmans remarked, noting that "the right to self-defence does not end 100 kilometres from the border." He stressed that no operational distance restrictions have been imposed on Ukraine, specifically mentioning that this applies to the F-16 fighter jets the Netherlands plans to transfer to Ukraine.

Brekelmans urged other Western nations to lift similar restrictions on their arms supplies to Kyiv, following the Netherlands' example.

Earlier, on 2 September, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced a new aid package to Ukraine, exceeding 200 million euros, during his first official visit to the country. Additionally, the Netherlands is sending another US Patriot air defence system to bolster Ukraine’s defences.