Ankara: Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on Tuesday emphasized that the Netherlands has been increasing its defense spending not due to pressure from the United States, but because of the country's own necessities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Berendsen's comments were made during a panel titled "Turning the Tables: Ukraine as a Security Provider for Europe," part of the Allies in Ankara program. This event was organized in collaboration with the country's Communications Directorate, the Munich Security Conference, and the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), an Ankara-based think tank.

The panel, held at Ankara Palas, also featured Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmar Stenergard and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Berendsen described Russia as a "major threat to Europe and NATO," asserting that Ukraine's struggle is a shared one. He called for increased support for Ukraine and heightened pressure on Russia, signaling the Netherlands' willingness to take responsibility in facilitating peace talks.

Stenergard argued that the current support for Ukraine is insufficient and called for more financial aid. She pointed out that the Nordic countries, despite having a small population relative to NATO, contribute a significant portion of support to Ukraine. She claimed that if other countries matched their efforts, the conflict might have concluded by now. Stenergard also stressed the importance of Ukraine's postwar reconstruction for lasting peace and supported increased sanctions against Russia.

Sybiha reflected on the initial months of the war, noting Ukraine's challenges in securing support from partners but praised the country's resilience. He labeled the lack of action during Crimea's occupation as a "historic" mistake. Sybiha stated Ukraine's readiness for an unconditional ceasefire and expressed a strong desire for peace, outlining that the US's involvement is crucial for ending the conflict. He emphasized the necessity of legally binding bilateral security guarantees from the US and noted the importance of military support, EU membership for Ukraine, and strengthening its army to maintain peace.