The Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs has called on Europe to prepare now for the creation of security assurance forces for Ukraine and for strengthening Ukrainian and European defense capabilities.
As stated in the advisory opinion of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) under the Dutch government, European countries must take on “long-term commitments” to financing and military support for Ukraine.
The Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) said that, because Ukraine’s security was directly linked to the security of Europe as a whole, it recommended that the Netherlands and other European countries actively prepare for the establishment of international security assurance forces, while also further strengthening the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and Europe.
The council noted that the prospects for a ceasefire directly depended on maintaining large-scale military assistance to Ukraine.
At the same time, a long-term truce will have a chance of success only if it is backed by specific, legally binding, and enforceable security guarantees.
A ceasefire on its own will not prevent new Russian aggression. Therefore, future agreements must clearly define who is responsible for implementing the agreement, the mechanisms for responding to violations, and the necessary military resources.
One of the key elements of such guarantees, the AIV says, is the creation of international security assurance forces. This would not be a neutral observer mission, but a military contingent capable of deterring possible aggression and defending Ukraine in the event of armed attacks.
At the same time, monitoring and verification of the ceasefire must be carried out by separate international structures, for example, the OSCE or another relevant organization.
The advisory council also supports a leading role for Europe in the “Coalition of the Willing,” which could provide political and military leadership of the international security forces in close coordination with NATO representation.
The council believes that Article 51 of the UN Charter, which provides for the right to collective self-defense at Ukraine’s request, could serve as the legal basis for such a mission.
It is separately emphasized that international security forces cannot replace a strong Ukrainian army. That is why Europe must provide long-term support for Ukraine’s Defense Forces while also investing in its own defense industry.
The AIV also believes that Ukraine should be seen not only as a recipient of aid, but also as a strategic partner. The war has given Ukraine unique experience in modern military technology, weapons production, and innovation, which could be useful for European allies.
It is noted that the advisory opinion was prepared at the initiative of the AIV and is based on the council’s previous recommendations on the war in Ukraine.
As Ukrinform reported, strategic analyst and defense expert Patrick Bolder, a researcher at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and former lieutenant colonel in the Royal Netherlands Air Force, believes that the main topic of the NATO summit will be strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
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