Dutch defence minister calls Russia an 'enemy' while insisting policy stays the same

In a parliamentary session on the defence budget, Dutch defence minister Yesilgöz labeled Russia as an enemy, reflecting a surge in sabotage, drone strikes and other threats on the continent. She argued that naming the threat plainly is necessary, but clarified that the Netherlands' existing policy of bolstering security and working with European allies remains unchanged since the Ukraine war began. Yesilgöz described the situation as a "new reality" with increased cross-border incidents and warned that President Putin is testing the strength of NATO ties.

Intelligence reports from the AIVD and MIVD were cited, noting an unprecedented threat level and growing cooperation between Russian and Chinese forces. Despite the harsher rhetoric, the minister said the overall defence approach stays the same and the country will not become naïve about the threat.