The Prime Minister of the Netherlands travels to Brazil to discuss the war in Ukraine and has announced negotiations on the F-16.

On May 9, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is critical of providing weapons to Kyiv, will emphasize the need to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression.

Rutte said he would explain to Lula why the issue of supporting Ukraine is “existential” for the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond, as the Russian invasion has put Western values at risk.

Rutte also reports that the Dutch government and its European partners are considering the possibility of providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. In particular, active discussions are ongoing with Denmark, Great Britain, several other parties in Europe, and the US. However, all partners must agree first, as with Panzer howitzers and Leopard tanks.