Ukraine-Russia agreement should involve 'deterrence force,' not peacekeepers – Dutch FM

Ukraine-Russia agreement should involve 'deterrence force,' not peacekeepers – Dutch FM

Ukrinform
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp believes that any potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia should involve a "deterrence force" rather than a peacekeeping force, with some form of U.S. involvement.

He made this statement on the Sven op 1 program, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

According to Veldkamp, some level of U.S. involvement is necessary. He explained that while this might not involve American troops on the ground, it should include resources that European countries lack due to years of insufficient defense spending -- such as air transport and intelligence gathering. In his view, U.S. support is necessary.

The minister also stressed that the Netherlands could be part of a military force that will safeguard future peace in Ukraine.

Read also: UK announces 'readiness and willingness' to deploy troops to Ukraine

He said that the Dutch government "speaks with one voice." However, Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), later stated on social media platform X that he opposes sending Dutch troops to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof traveled to Paris on Monday for an emergency meeting of European leaders regarding geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine. Veldkamp declined to disclose specific details of the closed-door discussions, stating, " Putin must not look at our cards."

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