Netherlands, Ukraine sign framework for joint drone production deal

The Netherlands and Ukraine signed documents on work toward a drone deal and an agreement for joint drone production, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday.

In remarks to journalists during a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in the city of Middelburg, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine proposed a format for a special agreement on security partnership to the Netherlands, namely a drone deal.

Zelenskyy said that this deal concerned not only drones but also a comprehensive development of air defense capabilities, as well as joint weapons production.

“We tasked our teams with working out all the details, and we signed documents to begin this work — both on the drone deal and on the first joint production specifically with the Netherlands,” Zelenskyy further said.

The Netherlands will invest €248 million ($292 million) in the coming period to support the purchase and production of drones by Dutch companies as part of the agreement.

He went on to say the signed documents serve as a framework for the drone deal, and that he and Jetten also discussed the issue of anti-ballistic systems.

For his part, Jetten said he confirmed during his meeting with Zelenskyy that the Netherlands will continue military support to Ukraine "for several years and without interruption," noting they are now adding a "new dimension that brings our defense cooperation together in a more equitable manner."

"Together, we want to work on new technologies and modern capabilities from which we can all ultimately benefit," Jetten said, arguing that the declaration they signed is the starting point for a defense partnership that benefits not only Ukraine and the Netherlands, but also Europe.

He further said that his country is investing €248 million "in the coming period" in the purchase and production of drones by Dutch companies to "reinforce those intentions and cooperation with the Ukrainian industry."

Zelenskyy arrived in Middelburg earlier Thursday, where he took part in a ceremony of the Four Freedoms Awards. During the event, Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people received the International Four Freedoms Award.

The Ukrainian president’s arrival comes following trips to Germany and Norway on Tuesday, as well as Italy on Wednesday.

During his visit to Middelburg, Zelenskyy also met with Dutch King Willem-Alexander.