Defense Minister of the Netherlands Ruben Breccelmans stated the need to accelerate peace negotiations on Ukraine. According to him, the ceasefire line, if it is installed, will require the participation of many countries, including the great powers.
In an interview for NL Times, the minister first spoke about the possibility of negotiations with Russia, although earlier the official position of the Netherlands was that such negotiations are possible only at Ukraine's readiness. Breccelmans emphasizes that European leaders should take the initiative before Donald Trump, who can make a decision with Vladimir Putin without the participation of Europe.
Brecelmans also noted that with 27 EU Member States it is difficult to reach a consensus on a peacekeeping mission, but "in connection with urgency" it is possible to create a coalition of willing countries to resolve this issue. The Minister refrained from specific applications for the participation of the Netherlands in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. He explained that it would depend on the negotiation conditions and details. At the same time, Breccelmans stressed that the Netherlands did not intend to participate in hostilities in Ukraine. Participation in the peacekeeping mission, he said, is "peaceful", not combat operations.
Previously, negotiations with Russia have not been considered in Europe as an urgent perspective, but after the election of Donald Trump in the United States, these discussions were intensified. Brecelmans believes that Europe should take the initiative to ensure its own participation in the formation of the future security architecture on the continent.
Against the background of discussions in the Netherlands, EU leaders are faced with the problems of achieving unity on peacekeeping initiatives in Ukraine. However, Breccelmans believes that this issue should not be delayed, even if you have to act without complete unanimity among the members of the block.
