The EU's collective economic power is far superior to Russia, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent on February 17 on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, adding that European nations are investing more in Ukraine's defense and support would have to.
“In a democracy, it always takes time to make such decisions,” Rutte told a Kyiv Independent reporter, responding to a question about whether there were any regrets that allies had not deployed key defense systems before Russia had the chance to take part Front to intervene to mobilize its economy.
As the full-scale Russian invasion approaches its two-year mark, Ukraine finds itself in a precarious position. While aid from the United States, a major military donor, remains blocked, Russia is increasing pressure on the front lines and expanding the capacity of its defense industry.
Rutte emphasized that Russia's economic potential should not be overestimated: “Russia's economy is no bigger than that of the Netherlands and Belgium combined. Nothing compared to Germany, nothing compared to France, nothing compared to the entire EU economy.”
Still, allies must respond to recent developments in the war, “and that means increased defense spending, more production of military capabilities,” the prime minister added.
While the relatively small Netherlands played a proactive role in supporting Ukraine, for example by leading the fighter jet coalition, major players such as Germany came under criticism for hesitating to provide some key systems, namely Taurus long-range missiles.
Rutte pointed out that Germany is providing massive assistance to Ukraine, especially compared to other partners. This support also maintains the flow of anti-aircraft and artillery shells to Ukraine, Rutte said, pointing out that there is no controversy over the delivery of these two vital items.
The Prime Minister also suggested that “things are moving” in relation to other military systems.
Rutte further told the Kyiv Independent that the Netherlands is intensively discussing bilateral security guarantees with President Volodymyr Zelensky's team and expressed optimism that the “talks should be concluded fairly soon.”
Kiev had already concluded similar agreements with Germany, France and the United Kingdom, based on G7 commitments made last July
Zelensky in Munich: “If Ukraine is left alone, Russia will destroy us.”
“Maintaining Ukraine's artificial weapons deficits, especially artillery and long-range capabilities, allows (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
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