Minister Yesilgöz labels Russia as ‘our enemy’, but the Netherlands is not at war
Dutch Minister of Defence Dilan Yesilgoz has explicitly declared Russia to be a "foe," shifting away from the diplomatic language of calling the country an aggressor. Although she clarified that the Netherlands is not at war, she cited increased Russian intimidation and threats as reasons for the change in terminology.
Dutch Minister of Defence Dilan Yesilgoz has publicly labeled Russia as a "foe" during a parliamentary debate, moving away from the previously used term "aggressor." While the minister clarified that the Netherlands is not in a state of war, she emphasized that the peace in Western Europe is increasingly fragile and threatened by Russian intimidation, drone activity, and hybrid threats. She argued that the reality of the situation requires direct language rather than euphemisms.
Her remarks have caused surprise within other government departments, as the Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that there is no official change in government policy regarding the designation of Russia. While officials from these departments continue to refer to Russia as an aggressor, Yesilgoz maintains that her statements reflect the current geopolitical reality and that her characterization does not alter international legal standing or diplomatic protocols. She reaffirmed that the goal remains sustainable peace, which depends on an end to Russia's hostile actions.
Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
