Dutch Defence Minister comments on the possibility of shooting down missiles over Ukraine

Dutch Defence Minister comments on the possibility of shooting down missiles over Ukraine

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans believes that the participation of partner countries in shooting down Russian missiles and drones flying over western Ukraine and approaching their airspace may not be "the most effective way to solve the problem."

The Dutch minister said this in an interview with Radio Liberty.

According to him, the participation of partner countries in shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine will have "limited benefits."

"Regardless of whether they outweigh the risks that might arise. If you put your air defense systems on the border with Ukraine, for example, they would only cover a relatively small area. In that case, that would mean that you would need to have aircraft in the sky to protect Ukraine. Then, of course, there would be a risk of a direct clash between NATO air forces and Russia," Brekelmans noted.

This is precisely the type of escalation that NATO allies are trying to prevent, he said.

"I think it is also in Ukraine’s favor that we are trying to prevent it. We must always look for creative ways to help Ukraine. But we must also weigh in each case whether the benefits outweigh the risks. So far, there is no difference. This is an approved decision," the minister concluded.