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Dutch PM to discuss defence of Ukraine with Brazil's Lula da Silva

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Dutch PM Mark Rutte (pictured) explained to Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva the importance of defending Ukraine in the conflict with Russia when they met on Tuesday (9 May). Lula da Silva has previously criticized the idea of arming Ukrainians.

Rutte, on the first day his Brazil visit, told reporters: "We need to help Ukraine in this fight."

Rutte told Lula that he would explain why backing Ukraine was "essential" to the Netherlands, Europe and beyond due to the Russian invasion putting Western values in danger.

"I don't know if Putin will be successful in Ukraine. People are concerned for their safety in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and Europe," he said.

Lula has tried to encourage non-conflict countries to form a group that will push for peace talks. He has also said that supplying weapons to Ukraine is encouraging war. The US accused him of repeating Russian and Chinese propaganda.

The Dutch government, along with its European partners, is considering donating F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine.

Rutte stated in Sao Paulo that "we are discussing intensively with Denmark and the UK as well as some other parties in Europe, including the U.S., on F-16s".

He said that agreement between the partners was needed first, just as it had been in the past, before they supplied Panzer howitzers to Ukraine and Leopard tanks. "The debate continues."

Rutte will be accompanied by an international business delegation on a three day visit to discuss trade, co-operation and sustainable agriculture.

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