Dutch Military Equipment Stolen Enroute to Ukraine

Military equipment and clothing en route from the Netherlands to Ukraine were stolen during transit in the U.K. last week.

The theft was discovered as the goods were being transported in trucks for further transfer to Ukraine, according to a statement from the Dutch Ministry of Defense on Wednesday.

The stolen military goods, intended for Ukrainian military personnel undergoing training in the UK, were taken from the commercial truck transporting them.

On February 23, the Netherlands announced plans to conclude a security agreement with Ukraine for the next 10 years. The agreement will encompass provisions related to military support for the medium and long term, as well as cooperation to strengthen the defense industry. Additionally, it aims to enhance Ukraine's cyber resilience and the interoperability of the Ukrainian army with NATO forces.

In a letter to the House of Representatives, the government revealed that it has provided over €2.8 billion in military support to date. This support includes financial contributions to international funds, such as the International Fund for Ukraine, and direct deliveries of weapons, ammunition, and materiel to Ukraine from the Dutch Defense's own stocks, in cooperation with industry, and through various coalitions of partner countries.

The Netherlands, along with Denmark and the United States, leads the air force coalition of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). As part of this commitment, the Dutch government has decided to prepare 24 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery.

Netherlands’ training courses

The Netherlands has contributed to 24 different training courses. These courses include basic training, such as that provided in the UK-led Operation Interflex. To date, almost 35,000 Ukrainian service members have been trained to fight in their country. Ukrainian navy personnel are currently undergoing training in the Netherlands on minehunters that will be made available to the Ukrainian navy from 2025.

Furthermore, the Netherlands contributed to specialist training courses and to collective company, battalion and staff and leadership training courses.