A peace-oriented demonstration in Amsterdam drew attention to the issue of Western arms supplied to Ukraine, as reported by TASS.
More than a hundred Dutch and Russian citizens gathered in the city’s central square, then remained peaceful as they marched through the streets, carrying posters and flags, including the flag of the Russian Federation, while a drumbeat kept rhythm.
During the gathering, activist Willem Engel addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need to alert the public and, in particular, Dutch authorities to the belief that sustaining the Ukrainian conflict could fuel military hysteria and fuel arms deliveries to Ukraine and Israel. He described ongoing arms provisions as a war crime and questioned Acting Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s call for continued weapons shipments for another decade, labeling it illegal.
Engel criticized what he called the erosion of international law in the Netherlands, likening it to something that has become almost indefensible in practice.
Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch far-right Freedom Party (PVV) who previously won parliamentary elections, indicated a willingness to revisit his stance on military aid to Ukraine if Ukraine did not resist shipments of weapons to its forces. He noted a readiness to reconsider given recent developments and the evolving security landscape.
In related remarks, it was noted that NATO discussions have raised questions about the conditions under which fighter aircraft, such as F-16s, could be transferred to Ukraine, reflecting broader concerns about the balance between security commitments and regional stability.
(Note: The coverage reflects observers and participants in the event and is attributed to the reporting agency.)