What began ten years ago with the Russian annexation of Crimea escalated completely when Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, almost 1,000 days later, there is still war. Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans has just returned from Brussels, where there was talk about the war in Ukraine. 1,000 days of war The Netherlands has provided Ukraine with new air defence systems to help protect the country against Russian air strikes. This delivery, worth €88 million, is fully financed by the Netherlands. In addition, the Netherlands is investing in the development of drones for Ukraine, including attack drones, in response to North Korea's involvement in the conflict. Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans made this announcement during the meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Brussels, organised within the framework of the Foreign Affairs Council. The minister recalled that it has been exactly 1,000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine on a large scale. He emphasised that North Korean soldiers are now also active on European soil, which marks a new phase of escalation. In addition to North Korea, Russia receives support from Iran, China and Belarus. Ukraine therefore desperately needs the new air defence systems. During his visits to Ukraine, Brekelmans personally witnessed the extent of the destruction. He pointed out that Russia is particularly focused on cutting off Ukraine's energy supply, now that winter is approaching. For the Netherlands, this is reason enough to continue its support for the Ukrainian population. The supplied portable air defence systems, including missiles, enable Ukraine to neutralise drones, aircraft and missiles. Investments in drones The Netherlands is investing tens of millions of euros in the development of advanced drones, including attack drones, to help Ukraine deal with the latest Russian escalation. According to Brekelmans, the deployment of North Korean troops, at Russia's request, emphasises the need for these investments. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Netherlands has supported Ukraine in various ways. In addition to the delivery of F-16s, the Netherlands has also donated armoured howitzers, purchased tanks and ammunition and supplied various other goods. Together with international partners, the Netherlands is committed to providing Ukraine with continued military aid. Information retrieved from: rijksoverheid.nl About Bar Laat Viewers can end the day from Monday to Thursday evening with 'Bar Laat', a talk show broadcast on NPO 1. This new BNNVARA program is presented alternately by Sophie Hilbrand and Jeroen Pauw, with Tim de Wit as permanent substitute presenter. The program offers a stage for the conversation of the day, with current topics such as politics, art, culture and sports. The show is recorded live in a Hilversum studio with an audience, and also offers space for musical performances. #Ukraine #Russia #BarLaat #JeroenPauw #bnnvara #npo Follow us on Instagram: barlaat.bnnvara Follow us on Facebook: barlaatbnnvara Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/barlaat #BarLaat