The cabinet will almost certainly send more troops to Eastern Europe –

It is almost certain that more Dutch troops will go to NATO countries in Eastern Europe in the near future. The cabinet seems willing to accept NATO’s demands, sources tell the NOS. The countries surrounding the NATO zone are under pressure after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

For example, Patriot missiles will most likely go to Slovakia. These air defense missiles are accompanied by 150 soldiers. There is also talk of a mission in Romania with French soldiers. About 200 Dutch people can be deployed there. A large cabinet delegation will travel to Paris on Wednesday to discuss the situation with Ukraine.

Since last week, 150 soldiers of the Airmobile Brigade have been in Romania for an exercise near the Ukrainian border. It was originally supposed to be made in Germany but was moved after the Russian invasion.

“A threat for us too”

Defense Minister Ollongren paid a visit to these “red berets” in Romania today. They receive training in helicopter operations and perform target exercises.

Ollongren said: “Romania borders Ukraine. “The war here is much closer to the people than we are,” he says. “It is an attack on Ukraine, but it is also a threat to us. Our standards and values, our freedom. Then you have to be there as NATO and we, the countries, are very important – Down, let’s show it. We are doing our part.”

The purpose of increasing NATO’s visibility in Eastern Europe is to deter the Russians. Ollongren: “When you see the ongoing Russian threat, you want a good reinforcement of the entire eastern flank.”

Lithuania

Incidentally, there are also 270 Dutch soldiers in Lithuania and Dutch F16s and JSFs fly over Poland. It will also take place via Bulgaria with JSF aircraft.

Insiders expect that the cabinet will soon make a decision on expanding the Dutch military presence in NATO member states in Eastern Europe.