Zelensky visits the Netherlands as Dutch aid package expands
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a working visit to the Netherlands on October 28, 2026, meeting Prime Minister Rob Jetten and King Willem-Alexander. The talks covered defense and economic cooperation, air defense and further support for Ukraine. The Dutch government announced assistance for military training, reconstruction, non-military aid and the Industrial Ramstein initiative.
Key points
- Zelensky arrived in the Netherlands with his team on October 28, 2026.
- The Dutch government plans an additional €327 million for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction in 2027–2029.
- The Netherlands will provide €1.2 billion in non-military assistance over the next three years.
- Dutch funding includes €10 million for military training centers in Ukraine and €10 million for the Industrial Ramstein initiative.
- Zelensky met Prime Minister Rob Jetten, followed by a delegation meeting involving Dutch Defense Minister Dianne Eschhijl-Gerrits and Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen.
- Zelensky also met business leaders and was scheduled for an evening audience with King Willem-Alexander at the royal palace in The Hague.
Why it matters
The visit advanced bilateral discussions on Ukraine’s air defense, security cooperation and economic relations. It also brought additional Dutch assistance across military training, reconstruction, non-military support and industrial cooperation, keeping Ukraine’s security and recovery needs at the center of high-level engagement with the Netherlands.
What happened
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the Netherlands with his team on October 28 for a working visit. His meeting with Prime Minister Rob Jetten took place at the prime minister’s official residence and was followed by a delegation meeting. Dutch participants were expected to include Vice Prime Minister and Defense Minister Dianne Eschhijl-Gerrits and Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. Zelensky was also scheduled to meet leaders of Ukrainian and Dutch companies and to hold an evening audience with King Willem-Alexander at the royal palace in The Hague. The discussions were expected to focus on defense and economic cooperation, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and additional support for Ukraine.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasized Zelensky’s meeting with Jetten, his planned audience with Willem-Alexander and discussions on defense, economic cooperation and air defense. Reports also highlighted Dutch assistance for military training, reconstruction, non-military aid, F-16 support and business engagement, presenting the visit as part of sustained Dutch support for Ukraine’s security and recovery.
Background
Zelensky and Jetten last met in Middelburg in April 2026, when Zelensky received the Four Freedoms Award. After their October 5 phone call, Jetten announced Dutch assistance covering F-16 servicing, spare parts and ammunition.