Dutch Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius has called Russia an "enemy" of the Netherlands, marking a departure from the previous diplomatic designation of Russia as an "aggressor." While the minister emphasized that this change in rhetoric does not imply the Netherlands is at war, the move has drawn a sharp, hostile response from the Russian Embassy in the Netherlands.
Shift in Diplomatic Language
During a parliamentary debate on the national defence budget, Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius stated that Russia is no longer the "aggressor" but "the enemy." She justified the shift by citing a "new reality" characterized by increased Russian sabotage, drone attacks, and intimidation tactics across Europe. The minister noted that Vladimir Putin is actively testing the strength of the Western alliance. According to Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, she opted for this change in terminology after receiving advice from experts to describe the security situation accurately. "That is what I do," she stated in response to the guidance.
According to reports from NOS, the minister explained that her decision to change the terminology followed advice from experts to describe the security situation accurately. While the term "enemy" represents a hardening of language, Yeşilgöz-Zegerius clarified that the government’s actual defensive strategy—which involves increased investment and cooperation with European allies—remains consistent with the policy adopted since the invasion of Ukraine.
Cabinet Supports Russia as Greatest Security Threat
The Dutch government has not officially adopted "enemy" as the standard state-wide terminology for Russia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Berendsen, speaking in a separate debate, affirmed his support for his colleague, stating that the Defence Minister speaks on behalf of the cabinet and that Russia is indeed the country’s "greatest security threat."
However, as noted by NOS, Berendsen acknowledged that he was not briefed in advance regarding the specific word choice employed by Yeşilgöz-Zegerius during the defence budget proceedings. Earlier this year, the AIVD intelligence service concluded in its annual report that the current set of threats is unprecedented in the last eighty years, while the MIVD warned that the armed forces of China and Russia are becoming increasingly powerful and collaborative.
Russian Embassy Response
The Russian Embassy in the Netherlands issued a strongly worded statement in response to the minister’s comments. The embassy characterized the remarks as a "destructive route of confrontation."
The embassy’s statement denied that Russia holds aggressive intentions toward the Netherlands or Europe. It included a warning that the Kremlin would not tolerate "the language of threats and ultimatums" and that any infringement on Russian sovereignty would lead to a "rapid and crushing response." On social media, the embassy questioned whether the minister’s words represented an official declaration of direct military confrontation and demanded that the Dutch government either confirm her remarks or distance itself from them.
Background on ICC Tensions
Tensions between the two nations are further complicated by a recent demand from the Kremlin for the extradition of nine International Criminal Court (ICC) staff members. The list includes former chief prosecutor Karim Khan and the court’s former president, Piotr Hofmański, as well as several judges. These individuals were convicted in absentia by Russian courts in 2025 on charges related to unlawful litigation, unlawful detention, and attacking internationally protected institutions or threatening to do so. Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, which previously issued arrest warrants in 2023 for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian commissioner for children’s rights.
Does the Enemy Label Mean War?
Does this change in language mean the Netherlands is now at war with Russia?
No. Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius explicitly stated during the parliamentary debate that her description of Russia as an "enemy" does not mean the Netherlands is in a state of war or that the government is initiating a new military approach.
How has the Dutch government reacted to the Russian Embassy’s statement?
The Dutch cabinet has maintained its position on collective security. Minister Berendsen confirmed that the Defence Minister’s remarks align with the government’s view of Russia as the primary security threat, though the government has not issued a formal rebuttal to the specific threats made by the embassy.
What specific incidents prompted the change in terminology?
The minister pointed to a rise in "pinpricks and intimidations," including the use of drones equipped with explosives and various sabotage activities reported across European nations, which she stated demonstrate that Russia is presenting itself as an enemy.
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