Interview: Pavlo Radchenko of the Ukrainian Embassy in The Hague

Feb. 24 marks two years of courageous defence by Ukraine since the invasion of Putin, an important moment to reflect upon. What does this day mean to you?

“It is a moment to reflect on the past two years of the war and look back on how far we have come. Back then, when the enemy troops were standing at the gates of Kyiv, the situation was much more dangerous. And now we find ourselves in a completely different situation. So obviously, the war is not over yet and this is a sad moment for us, but at the same time, it serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how much we have achieved over these past two years.”

As a diplomat in the Netherlands, you have played an important role in supporting your country and, thereby, the security of the European continent as well. Could you maybe tell me a bit more about your experiences?

“I first came here for my studies in 2017, and I am still a student here at Leiden University. I started at the Ukrainian embassy back in 2021 as an intern. Since then, I have joined the Embassy in a more formal capacity in 2022, less than two days before the full-scale invasion began. At that time, with the Russian invasion looming, it was important for all of us to mobilize ourselves and do what we could to help our country. It has been an enormous privilege to serve my people in this capacity, especially in these historical times when Ukrainian diplomacy plays an absolutely crucial role. It is key to emphasize, though, that none of it would be possible without the will and courage of the Ukrainian people back in Ukraine who stood up to the Russian aggression.”

Could you maybe share your general perspective on the role of the Netherlands in supporting Ukraine? How is this perceived in Ukraine itself?

“From the very early hours, the Netherlands have played a very proactive role in supporting Ukraine. The Dutch support cannot be overestimated, it has been very important to us. We also gladly note that the newly elected Parliament continues with the existing policy of supporting Ukraine. This is very much appreciated by the Ukrainian people. They see that the Netherlands is playing a leading role. Be it the F-16s, the modern artillery or strengthening our Air Defence- or the tank ‘Coalitions’. Basically, on any number of initiatives, you will always find the Netherlands in a leading position there, and this is something that the Ukrainian people greatly appreciate. Most crucially, the Netherlands is rightly seen as the leader in working to restore justice for Ukraine through our Peace Formula. Ukrainian people look up to The Hague as an international symbol of justice and greatly appreciate Dutch efforts because for us true peace is not possible without justice.”

Naturally you work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands as well. Could you maybe share your perspective on this cooperation?

“Never before have the relations between Ukraine and the Netherlands been as close as they are now. On a practical level, our embassy engages with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a daily basis, and we greatly appreciate the fact that we can have an open and frank dialogue. We benefit greatly from warm personal relations, for example, between the leadership of both countries, our respective ministers of Foreign Affairs, but also between our rank-and-file diplomats. Both our countries win from this close cooperation.”

The Netherlands is currently working hard to support Ukraine through the Air Force Capability Coalition, for example, by delivering F-16s. How is this perceived in Ukraine?

“The Netherlands play an important role in strengthening our air defence capabilities, for example, through the coalition of PATRIOTS, closing the skies over Kyiv and other big cities, protecting millions of civilians. F-16s will play an important role in that regard as well as on the battlefield. Modern fighter jets will provide us with capabilities we do not have at this moment. Ukrainian people see Dutch outstanding leadership. It is hugely important in terms of boosting the morale and upholding the feeling of unwavering solidarity towards Ukraine from our friends and partners.”

Could you maybe tell me a bit more about your perspective on the role of the EU in supporting Ukraine?

“The role of the EU is key, and it is important for this support to continue and expand to adequately respond to the current challenges. It is crucial to keep expanding European defence capabilities, not only to maintain Ukraine’s war effort but also to ensure that European countries are themselves prepared for high-intensity warfare. It is important that we all learn lessons from what is happening now and take active steps to deter any potential aggression which might be coming from Russia or elsewhere. It is important to stand up for our common principles and values, and it is great that the EU does it. This is something that any potential aggressor keenly follows because there is nothing that motivates aggression more than weakness.”

How do you experience living in the Netherlands, the Dutch people and its relation with Ukrainians?

“It feels like home. You know the saying: a friend in need is a friend indeed. The Netherlands have demonstrated that they are true friends to Ukrainians, and this is something that will shape our relations for decades to come. It is out of this positive attitude towards the Netherlands that I take so much pride in working on the Ukrainian-Dutch relations. On a broader scale, one of the effects of the war has been that Ukrainian and Dutch people got to engage with each other like never before. These connections, though forged in tragic circumstances, will last a very long time and will only strengthen our bonds of friendship.”