Lieutenant General Martin Wijnen, the outgoing commander of the Dutch army, has issued a stark warning to the Netherlands, urging the nation to brace itself for the potential of a future conflict with Russia. In a recent interview with De Telegraaf, Wijnen emphasized the rising strength of Russia and stressed the need for the Netherlands to seriously consider the possibility of war, advocating for societal preparedness.
Wijnen underscored the necessity of adopting a robust military stance, asserting that Russia comprehends only the language of strength. He pointed to the urgency of addressing personnel shortages within the Dutch armed forces to bolster the nation’s military capabilities.
Expressing optimism about a one-year voluntary service initiative for young people, modeled after a successful program in Sweden, Wijnen highlighted the potential contributions of this initiative in strengthening the Dutch military.
As a staunch ally of Ukraine in the conflict initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, the Netherlands has been actively supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the forthcoming delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to aid in its defense against Russian forces.
Wijnen, who was set to step down from his role as the top general for the Dutch army on January 1, urged the Netherlands to learn from the military preparations of neighboring countries like Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states. He cautioned against assuming safety solely based on geographical distance, emphasizing that proactive measures are imperative.
While the Netherlands abolished compulsory conscription in 1997, the country has initiated a voluntary one-year program for young individuals. Wijnen expressed hope that this program would attract recruits to the military, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a robust army as a deterrent to potential adversaries.
In the wake of Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Wijnen’s call for heightened preparedness echoes similar sentiments from European officials. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently emphasized the need for Germany to enhance its military capabilities and contribute to ensuring security on the continent. Pistorius highlighted a collective European responsibility to fortify armed forces, industries, and societies in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
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War, human normality, as George Friedman called it.
Give em’ Hell Netherlands, lol.
Give em’ Hell, like the netherlands gave Germany Hell in May 1940? The netherlands are almost a bigger joke than the USA.