Dutch Defense Minister Labels Russia an Enemy, Drawing Moscow’s Query
Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz called Russia the Netherlands’ enemy during a parliamentary budget debate. She cited growing Russian threats across Europe but said the country is not at war. Russia’s embassy responded by seeking clarification on whether her language reflected official policy.
During an Oct. 8 parliamentary budget debate, Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz called Russia the Netherlands’ enemy, departing from the common European description of Russia as a threat or aggressor. She argued that label no longer fit and said this did not place the country at war, while warning that lasting calm was still far off.
She cited recent events: strikes in Ukraine, a drone strike on two Black Sea vessels, drones near Leipzig airport, an attack on a train close to the Polish-Ukrainian border, flares directed at a Danish helicopter, and hacked Dutch cameras possibly used to chart military routes. Russia’s embassy asked whether her comment represented official policy or signaled direct confrontation.
The remark could sharpen public debate in the Netherlands about security and defence spending, affecting voters, military personnel, and communities with ties to Russia or Ukraine. It may also complicate diplomatic communication with Moscow, even if no war is declared. European allies might watch whether the language signals a broader shift in how governments describe Russia, potentially influencing media coverage and public threat perceptions.