TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIGlobal
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
No Result
View All Result
TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean

Dutch Says: F-16s Fly High, Instructors Say Bye

Anushka Gupta by Anushka Gupta
June 13, 2024
in Geopolitics
Dutch Says: F-16s Fly High, Instructors Say Bye
Share on FacebookShare on X

The Netherlands has been incredibly keen to stand by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia since 2022. They’ve been throwing their weight behind Ukraine with lots of aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. But recently, when France suggested the EU should send military instructors to Ukraine, the Netherlands seemed to develop a sudden case of selective hearing. Despite recently sending F-16s to Ukraine, they’re now cautiously reconsidering their unwavering support.

This shift might have something to do with Russia flexing its muscles and the realization that taking on Russia as a united NATO or EU front might be like trying to wrestle a bear with spaghetti noodles. If Russia’s too big a beast to handle collectively, maybe it’s better to save their manpower and not poke the Putin bear unnecessarily.

Also Read

Putin Meets U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow as Trump’s Ukraine Deadline nears. Will Russia accept Trump’s NATO ceasefire rules? 

Poland to Acquire Stake in “Iceye” Satellite Firm Amid Russian Fear. Is Elon Musk, “Small Man” Remark &US Tech Hegemony Behind the Picture? 

Europe and U.S. Can’t Afford a Second War: Why an Israel-Iran Conflict Would Be an Economic and Strategic Disaster?

So, while the Dutch were all guns blazing at first, now they seem to be doing a diplomatic dance, perhaps realizing that diplomacy might be their best card in this high-stakes game.

Since the Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022, the Netherlands has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, playing the role of a supportive friend. Right off the bat, they dedicated over €40 million in emergency funds for Ukraine through various international organizations. The Dutch didn’t stop there—they’ve also been busy shipping vital medical supplies directly to Ukraine.

In terms of military aid, the Netherlands supplied over €65 million worth of military goods to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. In April 2022, the Dutch committed an additional €1 billion in military aid for the year, bringing their total military support to a hefty €3 billion. And just when you thought they couldn’t do more, they announced in June 2024 that they would be delivering F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, although it was driven to get rid of their old F-16 rather than to add some serious stuff in Ukraine’s basket.

When it comes to sanctions, the Netherlands has been leading the charge. They’ve been vigorous advocates for strong international sanctions against Russia, ensuring every possible measure is taken to put pressure on Moscow. Dutch financial institutions have been busy freezing the assets of sanctioned Russian individuals and entities. Dutch companies and consumers’ dealings with Russia also came to a halt.

To keep everything on track, the Dutch government appointed a National Coordinator for Sanctions Compliance and Enforcement. This role ensured that every aspect of the sanction’s regime was meticulously enforced. The Netherlands also promoted a unified EU approach to sanctions, allocating additional funds in 2023 for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, showcasing their commitment to a long-term recovery plan for Ukraine.

Yet, despite all this support, there’s been a bit of a plot twist recently. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that the Netherlands has no plans to send military instructors to Ukraine, a move that seems a bit contrary given their previous commitments. While Rutte appreciates France’s creative initiative to form a coalition of countries to send military instructors, he made it clear that the Netherlands won’t be participating in this particular venture. Mr. Rutte, where did your support for Ukraine and EU unity go?

French President Emmanuel Macron has been quite the busy bee, pushing forward with plans to assemble a coalition for military training in Ukraine. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Kremlin, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov issuing warnings about the dangers of foreign military instructors training Ukrainian troops.

On a different note, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has stirred the pot with claims suggesting U.S. involvement, alongside another country, in the Nord Stream pipeline incidents. Given the Netherlands’ close military cooperation with Norway in the Baltic Sea, where the explosions occurred, some fingers have been pointed in this direction. The Dutch nation is also not very dependent on Russian gas, unlike other EU nations, as the main source of its energy supplies is still fossil fuel. The explosion of Nord Stream 2 also didn’t directly impact the Netherlands’ economy, making it a potential culprit in blowing up the vital pipeline. The Dutch, however, have firmly denied any involvement in these incidents.

Meanwhile, discussions about military assistance to Ukraine have become a delicate diplomatic balance for the Netherlands. Moreover, with Russia’s growing power and the stark realization that neither NATO nor the EU seems capable of defeating Russia outright, the Netherlands might be weighing its options to avoid provoking Putin.

All in all, the Netherlands continues to struggle to find a geopolitical balance.

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Economic AidFrance- NetherlandsinstructorsMilitary aidRussia-UkraineThe NetherlandsWestern aid
ShareTweetSend
Anushka Gupta

Anushka Gupta

Anushka is Consulting Associate Editor at TFI Media, specializing in geopolitics and international relations. She completed her masters from JMI in IR where she developed writing skills, her previous internships helped her to gain research and editing skills. She intends to bring out the truth about global dynamics and changing world order, along with bringing fresh ideas and perspective.

Also Read

Trump claims he can “destroy China but is instead choosing to induct 600,000 new Chinese students in US”, as he declares that EU Leaders call him the “President of Europe”

Trump claims he can “destroy China but is instead choosing to induct 600,000 new Chinese students in US”, as he declares that EU Leaders call him the “President of Europe”

August 26, 2025
Trump called Modi four times in recent week, but Modi didn't pick call- FAZ

Trump called Modi four times, but Modi didn’t pick call- German media FAZ claims. India-US strategic fallout?

August 26, 2025
Trump Says Putin Won't Meet Zelenskyy 'Because He Doesn't Like Him'. How Will Peace Prevail In Ukraine?

Trump Says Putin Won’t Meet Zelenskyy ‘Because He Doesn’t Like Him’. How Will Peace Prevail In Ukraine?

August 26, 2025
Trump’s 50% Tariffs on India Take Effect Tomorrow: Why New Delhi Refuses to Bow to US Pressure

Trump’s new 50% Tariffs on India for buying Russian Oil but Modi Refuses to Bow to US Pressure. Strategic Autonomy or BRICS Solidarity? 

August 26, 2025
Trump says ‘China has to give us Magnets (Rare Earth Minerals), If they don’t, then we’ll have to charge them massive tariffs—maybe 200 percent or something’. How Will Beijing Respond?

Trump says ‘China has to give us Magnets (Rare Earth Minerals), If they don’t, then we’ll have to charge them massive tariffs—maybe 200 percent or something’. How Will Beijing Respond?

August 26, 2025
Why Russia-Ukraine Conflict may again Escalate, even After the Peace Deal, Once Trump’s Presidency Ends? 

Why Russia-Ukraine war 2.0 may start again even after the Peace Deal, when Trump’s Presidency Ends? 

August 26, 2025
Youtube Twitter Facebook
TFIGlobalTFIGlobal
Right Arm. Round the World. FAST.
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • TFIPOST – English
  • TFIPOST हिन्दी
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy.