AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders signalled he was willing to consider future military aid to Ukraine, as he moved away on Saturday from his earlier resistance to weapon deliveries.
Wilders, who is aiming to lead a new government after his nationalist PVV party won elections in November, has for months argued the Netherlands should stop supplying weapons to Ukraine because it needed them to defend itself.
The Netherlands has been one of the leading donors of military aid to Ukraine, with overall spending expected to pass 4.5 billion euros ($4.9 billion) by the end of 2024.
Wilders’ resistance to further military aid has been one of several stumbling blocks preventing him from forming a coalition government in the three months since his election victory, but in a post on social media platform X he changed his line.
“The PVV supports Ukraine and is willing to talk about any type of aid,” he said, as he called Russia’s war against Ukraine “illegal and barbaric”.
Wilders’ potential coalition partners had never backed his aim to stop deliveries. On Friday they reiterated that position, and in a joint statement several opposition parties said they wanted to continue economic, political and military support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.
That message was echoed by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte in a video message to Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
“The Netherlands is with you. Even if it takes a long time and even if it is difficult,” said Rutte, whose candidacy to become secretary-general of NATO was this week backed by the United States, Britain, France and Germany.
Rutte’s caretaker government, in power until a new cabinet is installed, on Friday said it would soon sign a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine, to lock up future aid.
Wilders criticized that deal in his tweet, saying it was not up to a caretaker government to make such long-term agreements.
This is a turnaround for Wilders. Only 7 days ago he promised to block military aid to Ukraine, stating the Netherlands need it for defence. It now appears that Wilders is isolated, and can’t form a government, unless he backs down on the Ukraine issue.
I also think he knows perfectly well he hasn’t enough seats to seriously oppose aid to Ukraine.
For me it was never a question our country would keep supporting Ukraine.
I don’t even think he will become prime minister, as his efforts to create a government have failed so far.
^bert
Dumb Trump seems to be winning in South Carolina, but is about 10% behind Joe Biden in the polls. GOP will nominate a loser then.
Yeah, what an idiots.
If Haley would go against Biden, she would win hands down.
^bert
Since George W. Bush the Republican Party has become the home of idiots, radicals, psychos and fake-evangelicals. Where is the true spirit of America?
At McDonalds?
^bert
Only the fries which the logo stands symbol for. The best burgers you get at Burger King. When i was living in Scheveningen i ate tons of Whoppers. Sadly the fucking sea gulls always tried to steal a piece.
Oh wow let me see if I can get this straight…a politician who doesn’t know the meaning of, or how to behave with….honor, integrity and courage. I’m at a loss. I always thought all politicians were honorable and integrity…NOT!
Leaves only Orban and Fico as Gauleiters in Europe for Putinka.
I have discovered footage of Mike when a Seagull tries to pinch his Whopper.
Stop drinking, Mason. 🤣👍🍻
Is Wilders to be trusted?