Dutch defense chief downplays Republican threat to Ukraine aid, stresses Pentagon’s commitment
The United States understands that supporting Kyiv is in their interests, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said in an interview with NV on Nov. 4.
The Dutch official disagrees that further American support for Ukraine is in danger because of disputes among Republicans in Congress.
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"No, I don't believe that," Ollongren said.
“Because the support of Ukraine by all countries, especially the United States, which leads, for example, the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG), the Ramstein Group, is very important for your country. But it is also about us, this is also about Europe. This is a large-scale war on the European continent, which is a direct threat to the security of Europe. And it is also an American interest, and the United States knows that,” she added.
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There is a "small and very vocal group" in the United States that denies the need to support Ukraine in the future. "However, the vast majority in Congress and American society understand [this need] very well," said Ollongren.
Ollongren pointed out that her colleague, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, chairs the Ramstein Group meetings, which take place on a regular basis.
"He is personally very committed to this cause, as are many of us," the minister said.
“I think that commitment goes far beyond political arguments. I think for you, this is an existential war. We see a country, Russia, led by an autocrat, Putin, who does not care about international humanitarian law, who does not care about the values that we share with Ukraine. So, I believe that support for Ukraine must continue, and I am very determined to continue this support and always have a debate about how and why [it is necessary].”
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