This Week In Wijnjewoude 2025

 Week 29 War News The Netherlands will “substantially contribute” to delivering American Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Monday during an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The country is also preparing to send additional air defense equipment from its own stockpiles, including ammunition for F-16 fighter jets, counter-drone technology, and radar systems. “With defense ministers, we are digitally discussing support for Ukraine. The Netherlands will substantially contribute to the delivery of American air defense (Patriots). Details will be worked out soon,” Brekelmans wrote on X. “We are also supplying more air defense ourselves: F16 munitions, counter-drones, radars, etc,” he added. BRUSSELS — When European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced her biggest-yet public revolt earlier this month, the Kremlin’s online spin doctors went into overdrive. Russian-sponsored propaganda engines spewed reams ...

Week 28 I noted a few little things as I hope that they are really taking the big things seriously  Politico The Dutch defense ministry is mulling plans to convert old trains into mobile emergency hospital vehicles capable of transporting wounded soldiers. According to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the ministry said large-scale military operations are not feasible without support from civilian society. The effort is reportedly part of a broader plan that could also see Dutch train drivers deployed to eastern Europe to assist military operations. The push comes amid growing fears that Europe’s transport infrastructure isn’t ready for a potential conflict with Russia, prompting countries to explore how civilian assets could support military logistics. Euractiv.com Sweden considers raising the upper conscription age for former military officers from 47 to 70  to ensure its military is prepared in times of crisis, the Swedish defence minister said on Monday. The proposal ...