At the NATO summit held in The Hague on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European member states of the alliance to allocate at least 0.25% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to military aid for Ukraine. He emphasized that such support is essential as Ukraine continues to resist Russia’s ongoing aggression, which he argues poses a threat to the whole of Europe, according to Spanish news agency EFE, cited by Agerpres.
“I thank all the countries and leaders who have committed to dedicating part of their defense budgets to support Ukraine. If all European countries allocated at least 0.25% of their GDP to this cause—and we are grateful to those who contribute more, such as the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Germany—the chances for peace in Europe would increase,” Zelensky said during a debate focused on the defense industry.
Speaking to the Dutch Parliament, the Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of collective European support: “Russia is stronger than any one of us alone, but weaker than all of us together. Putin thinks in terms of potential—his own, and that of his perceived targets. If Europe’s combined strength leaves no room for aggression, there will be no aggression.”
During his visit to the Netherlands, Zelensky also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who reaffirmed the EU’s strategic partnership with Ukraine in the defense sector.
“We are integrating our defense industries as if Ukraine were already a member of the EU. This is beneficial not only for Ukraine but also for Europe, as Ukraine currently demonstrates exceptional military innovation,” von der Leyen stated.
She further highlighted that under the EU’s SAFE initiative (Security Action for Europe)—a financial mechanism offering up to €150 billion in loans for military procurement projects—member states will be able to invest in Ukraine’s defense industry. These loans will also be accessible directly by Ukraine and other partner countries for the same purpose.