The F-16 aircraft, which the Netherlands has pledged to provide to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense, will arrive at the training center in Romania in two weeks, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“That means that the training courses for the Ukrainian pilots who will fly them can start shortly,” Rutte said on Twitter.

He stressed that the Netherlands would continue to support Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression as much and for as long as necessary.

“The devastating situation in Israel and Gaza will not divert our attention away from Ukraine. The existential need to push back against Russian aggression is still our priority, both for Ukraine and for the security of Europe as a whole,” he said.

He reminded that the Netherlands is supporting Ukraine on several fronts. Thus, this weekend talks began in Malta between the Netherlands and international partners on long-term security arrangements for Ukraine. The focus will be on security and defence, including strengthening Ukraine’s air defences.

The progress of work on the creation of an alternative corridor for grain exports through the Black Sea was also discussed. The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with patrol boats to ensure the safety of this route. Recently, negotiations have been held on this topic in Odesa.

"The atrocities that Russia has committed must not be forgotten. In order ensure this, the Netherlands remains involved in investigating Russia’s crimes. A fourth Dutch forensic mission is currently in Ukraine, under the auspices of the International Criminal Court, gathering evidence of war crime," Rutte stressed.