Russia denounces that Ukraine uses Dutch pilots in its fighters and threatens: they will be “legitimate targets”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharovahe assured in statements collected by the agency Europa Press that “this is not the first time that Dutch mercenaries have been seen among the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense announced on May 26, 2025 that the last F-16s left the Volkel base for Belgium for final delivery, completing the total of 24 donated aircraft. The Minister of Defense, Ruben Brekelmansconfirmed the information in official statements, highlighting its importance for Ukrainian defense against Russian attacks.

The delivery of the Dutch fighters was part of a contingent of aircraft of this model that the president Volodímir Zelenski He repeatedly claimed to his European allies. Although there are no official figures, it is estimated that several countries had promised up to a total of 85 units of the combat aircraft. Among them, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Norway.

“Now, it appears that the pilots who were ‘out of service’ after the aircraft were delivered have been added to the equipment list,” the spokeswoman said. “Any foreign specialist participating in combat operations against the Russian Armed Forces will be considered a legitimate military target.”

Zajárova warned that the Netherlands is increasingly involved in direct conflict with Russia and pointed out that “mercenaries are outside the scope of International Law.” “They are not protected by the Geneva Conventions,” he added.

The recruitment of foreign soldiers in the Ukrainian war is not new. Already last November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of this country, With Andri Sibinumbered more than 1,400 citizens of up to 36 African nationalities fighting alongside Russian soldiers. Reliable sources report that more than 300 Africans recruited by Russia have died on the front in the last two years.

Shortly after, the president of Kenya, William Rutoasked his Ukrainian counterpart for help to repatriate soldiers “illegally recruited by Russia to fight in the war.”

The case of Francis Ndungwuwho went to Russia with the promise of a job as an electrical engineer. He appeared in a video in a Russian uniform. His family has not been able to contact him since October and does not know if he is still alive.

In December, someone sent Fracis’ images to his mother, warning other Africans not to travel to Russia for any job offers. “You will end up in the army, even if you have never served, and they will take you to the front lines. And there are real killings,” he said in the video. “Many friends have died for money.”