Dutch Defence Minister Calls Russia ‘Enemy’; Russia Demands Clarification

Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius stated Russia is “our enemy,” not just an aggressor, during a budget debate, citing hybrid threats. She stressed it does not mean war. Russia’s embassy in the Netherlands demanded the government confirm or distance itself from the remarks and questioned if it signals confrontation.

Sources:
https://x.com/rusembassynl/status/2108170193948000418
https://www.telegraaf.nl/politiek/defensieminister-yesilgoz-rusland-is-niet-langer-de-agressor-maar-onze-vijand/162757952.html
https://nos.nl/artikel/2634148-yesilgoz-noemt-rusland-nu-de-vijand-maar-dat-betekent-niet-ineens-andere-aanpak
https://thegaze.media/news/russia-is-our-enemy-dutch-defense-minister-says
https://saharareporters.com/2026/10/08/russia-asks-netherlands-if-defence-ministers-russia-our-enemy-remark-declaration-war