The Netherlands has allocated €122 million ($132 million) in new military aid for Ukraine which includes ammunition supply, equipment, and cybersecurity, as announced by Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren on January 29.
Ollongren outlined that €87 million ($94 million) will be allocated for procuring artillery shells for Ukraine, while €10 million ($10.8 million) will be designated to enhance Ukraine’s cyber defenses.
The investment in cyber defense is crucial due to Ukraine’s history of facing numerous hacking attempts and cyber assaults, according to the statement.
Moscow has utilized its cyber capabilities against Ukraine, targeting government institutions, the defense sector, energy infrastructure, banking systems, and telecommunications.
The International Fund for Ukraine, an initiative established by the UK Defense Ministry on behalf of the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania, will utilize an additional €25 million ($27 million) to acquire equipment.
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“It is imperative to provide ongoing support to Ukraine, not only in the short term but also in the long term,” emphasized Ollongren.
The contributions stem from discussions with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), also recognized as the Ramstein group, according to the announcement.
The latest summit of the UDCG convened online on Jan. 23. Comprising over 50 countries, including all 31 NATO members, the UDCG has convened regularly since April 2022 to coordinate military assistance for Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression.