During a visit to Kyiv, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte pledged further arms deliveries to Ukraine. “It is important that we help here now and ensure that Ukraine can defend itself,” Rutte told Dutch TV channel NOS in the Ukrainian capital on Monday. “It doesn’t stop.” According to the Netherlands, the Netherlands has so far delivered arms worth almost 173 million euros to Ukraine, including self-propelled howitzers. Five of the heavy guns have already been delivered, and three more are to follow.

It was Rutte’s first visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February. He was also due to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday afternoon. In the morning, Rutte visited the hard-hit Kiev suburbs of Borodjanka, Bucha and Irpin.

Rutte was appalled at the extent of the devastation caused by Russian attacks. The images should make it clear to the Dutch that help is needed for Ukraine. “There is a reason that we in the Netherlands are also willing to accept the consequences of this together: rising prices, higher energy loads. And you can see the reason behind me here,” said the prime minister, pointing to a bombed high-rise. The areas north and northwest of Kyiv were occupied by the Russians for almost a month.