Joint Declaration Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands

Diplomatic statement | 04-05-2023

The Kingdom of Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterate their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as well their full support to Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence and to choose its own security arrangements.

Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands reiterate their demand, in accordance with the 16 March 2022 Order of the International Court of Justice, that the Russian Federation immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including military or irregular armed units which may be directed or supported by the Russian Federation, as well as any organizations and persons which may be subject to its control or direction.

Belgium and the Netherlands reaffirm their solidarity with Ukraine and its people in their heroic defence of their freedom and our shared values.

Belgium and the Netherlands remain committed to provide Ukraine with the necessary military, humanitarian and financial support to help it prevail against the Russian war of aggression for as long as it takes.

1. Measures to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs for military and defence equipment

Belgium and the Netherlands will continue to provide military support for Ukraine aimed at enhancing the ability to defend effectively its territories on land, at sea and in the air. Our support consists of weapon systems, armour, munition, and various other forms of assistance, as well as training of the Ukrainian armed forces, including training for advanced Western weapon systems.

Ukraine highly appreciates all assistance being provided by Belgium and the Netherlands in order to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Belgium and the Netherlands will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes and will continue to provide strong military and defence support to Ukraine. 

2. Ukrainian Peace Formula

Belgium and the Netherlands acknowledge Ukraine’s sovereign decision on the peace process and express their support to Ukrainian Peace Formula, aimed at establishing a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine for global security.

Express their readiness to participate in the implementation of Ukrainian Peace Formula and encourage the maximum possible number of other countries to join.

Confirm their commitment to help to convene the Global Peace Summit and to participate at high level.

3. Future security cooperation

Belgium and the Netherlands commend the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and armed forces and acknowledge their significant contribution to the security of Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.

Together with partners and through international cooperation in the European Union, NATO, Ukraine Defence Contact Group and other formats, Belgium and the Netherlands will support Ukraine’s military, and security and defence sector in the longer term.

Until Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, Belgium and the Netherlands are committed to support Ukraine on its path to further Euro-Atlantic integration and strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself against the current Russian war of aggression and against any future threat.

The security of Ukraine is of great importance to the Alliance. Within the framework of the NATO-Ukraine partnership, Belgium and the Netherlands will promote long term NATO interoperability, reform and reconstruction of Ukraine’s defence industry, institution and capacity building. A clear roadmap for the sustainable transition of Ukraine’s armed forces to NATO standards, doctrine and institutions is a priority, as well as sufficient financial support. Ukraine, The Netherlands and Belgium look forward to discussing these issues at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023.

4. Accountability and Restoring Justice

Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands underline their firm commitment to bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes and other atrocity crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to support the establishment of an appropriate justice mechanism to ensure effective accountability for the crime of aggression.

Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands underline the importance of the prosecution of international crimes by the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General and the Ukrainian investigative agencies as well as the essential role of the International Criminal Court in establishing accountability for all crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC, ordered or enabled in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

5. Sanctions and compensation of war damages for Ukraine

Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands recognize that the Russian Federation must be held to account for all violations of international law in or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the Charter of the United Nations as well as grave breaches of international law, and that it must bear the legal consequences flowing from these internationally wrongful acts. It must cease its wrongful conduct, provide assurances and guarantees of non-repetition, and provide full reparation.

Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands agree that international sanctions are an integral part of the international response against the Russian aggression.

Belgium and the Netherlands are committed to further increase pressure on Russia through additional European Union sanctions where possible, as well as effective implementation and EU-wide and G7 efforts to counter circumvention of the sanctions regime.

Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands will pursue the work to develop international mechanisms to provide compensation for losses, injuries and damages caused by Russian aggression. Belgium and the Netherlands are committed to the EU-efforts to explore the possibilities of using frozen and immobilized Russian assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and for the purpose of reconstruction as part of reparation.