Defence Minister Calls Russia “the Enemy”, but Policy Unchanged - DutchNews.nl
Yeşilgöz said rising sabotage and drone incidents in Europe justify tougher language, while a draft law would expand intelligence powers against foreign adversaries.
- On Thursday, Defence Minister Dilan Yesilgöz began calling Russia "the enemy" rather than "the aggressor" during a parliamentary debate on the defence budget. She emphasized the linguistic shift does not signal an immediate change in national security policy.
- The cabinet published a draft law in August proposing sweeping new powers for intelligence services AIVD and MIVD to counter threats from Russia, China, and Iran without prior watchdog permission.
- Yesilgöz cited rising European sabotage, drone incidents, and intimidation as reasons to label the threat plainly; the AIVD reported in April that national security faces its greatest pressure since the Second World War, describing the situation as a "new reality."
- Hugo Hillenaar, chair of the intelligence review committee CTIVD, warned last month that the proposed changes could threaten the democratic rule of law, as independent watchdogs criticized the plan for post-action oversight only.
- "Putin is testing how strong our alliance is," Yesilgöz said, emphasizing the government remains committed to investing in defence and working with European allies since the invasion of Ukraine.
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37 Articles
It seems like a fuss about nothing that Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgöz formally designates Russia as an ‘enemy’. But it stands for more. Our reporter dissects the ‘Russia issue’ into three parts.
Yesilgöz made her statements on Thursday during the budget debate for the Ministry of Defence and incurred the wrath of the Russian embassy in the Netherlands with her remarks.
Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius has declared that the Russian Federation is no longer an aggressor, but “our enemy.” According to the newspaper De Telegraaf, she said this on Thursday during the defense budget discussion. The Russian embassy in Amsterdam immediately responded to her words, saying that the minister is calling for an open conflict with Russia. It is also demanding an explanation from the Dutch authorities.
The Russian Embassy in the Netherlands reacted harshly to Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgoz-Zegerius describing Moscow as an “enemy”. Russia, seeking an official statement from the Hague administration, said it would respond 'swiftly and overwhelming' to any attempt on its security and sovereignty.
The Russian embassy in the Netherlands wants clarification about statements by Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz. Since yesterday, she has openly called Russia “our enemy”, instead of “the aggressor”, as the country has been called so far. According to the embassy, Yeşilgöz is thereby provoking an armed conflict. The minister emphasizes that the Netherlands is not at war with Russia and that the policy will not change.
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