Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte has stated that his country will generously provide asylum to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
He posted his video message on Twitter.
Rutte stressed that the flow of Ukrainian refugees is a consequence of Russia's war against Ukraine. He also offered to assist Poland in the reception of Ukrainians.
"Poland is currently taking in the vast majority of them, but the Netherlands is also able to handle it. We will generously offer asylum. We are already accepting the first wave of refugees," Rutte said.
He once again called the situation in Ukraine appalling and Russian aggression "absolutely unprecedented."
"This aggression is also increasingly focused on civilians! We have all seen videos of shelling in Kyiv, as well as the destruction of civilian buildings, government buildings, apartment complexes in Kharkiv. These images struck our minds and we will never forget them, " Rutte added.
At the request of President @ZelenskyyUA, I would like to send a message from the Netherlands to the people of Ukraïne. We support you, we stand with you. pic.twitter.com/2uWuTsD8x5
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) March 3, 2022
As a reminder, the EU Council has launched the Temporary Protection Directive for refugees from Ukraine. Temporary protection of Ukrainians includes the right to reside, access to the labor market, medical services and social assistance in the EU countries.