Dutch Defence Minister Calls Russia “the Enemy,” but Says Policy Is Unchanged

Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz said the Netherlands should describe Russia as “the enemy” rather than merely “the aggressor,” citing rising sabotage, drone incidents and intimidation across Europe. She made the remarks during a parliamentary debate on the defence budget and said Russia was testing Western alliances. Yeşilgöz stressed that the change in wording did not mean the Netherlands was at war or would immediately change its security policy. Moscow’s embassy demanded clarification, while the minister reaffirmed the Netherlands’ existing approach of strengthening defence and supporting Ukraine.