Amsterdam demonstration demands ‘peace with Russia’
On Sunday, hundreds gathered in Amsterdam to call for the cessation of the Netherlands' military assistance to Ukraine and to advocate for repairing relations with Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Hundreds gathered in Amsterdam’s Dam Square on Sunday to demand an end to the Netherlands' continued military support for Ukraine and to call on the government to initiate dialogue with Russia instead.
The rally and subsequent march were organized by various activist groups alongside the right-wing Forum for Democracy (FvD) party. Organizers anticipated that the event would draw at least 1,500 participants.
During the demonstration, FvD MP Gideon van Meijeren addressed the crowd, advocating for peace with Russia and accusing “elites” of pushing for a major war. He remarked, “They lie to us, they intimidate us and they want a war with Russia. They say that Russia is dangerous and that Russia wants to attack us, but we know that they are doing this only for their own interests. They want to funnel more money to the military-industrial complex and have more power, therefore they are trying to manipulate us,” emphasizing that “peace would be the best option for everyone.”
The event featured speakers who presented their views from a small stage adorned with a placard that read “Peace with Russia,” along with a ribbon illustrating a transition from the Dutch flag to Russia’s state insignia.
Hugo Gitelink, a member of the Heart for Freedom activist group, warned attendees that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, backed by the collective West, could escalate into a third world war. He stated, “A third world war would be hell on Earth. Therefore, we’re calling for an immediate ceasefire, [an end to] all arms supplies, and the lifting of economic and cultural sanctions.”
The Netherlands has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, providing various advanced military equipment, making financial contributions for Leopard tanks, and pledging US-made F-16 fighter jets from its own fleet. According to official figures released by the Dutch government, the country allocated about €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year, with similar amounts planned for 2024 and 2025.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
The rally and subsequent march were organized by various activist groups alongside the right-wing Forum for Democracy (FvD) party. Organizers anticipated that the event would draw at least 1,500 participants.
During the demonstration, FvD MP Gideon van Meijeren addressed the crowd, advocating for peace with Russia and accusing “elites” of pushing for a major war. He remarked, “They lie to us, they intimidate us and they want a war with Russia. They say that Russia is dangerous and that Russia wants to attack us, but we know that they are doing this only for their own interests. They want to funnel more money to the military-industrial complex and have more power, therefore they are trying to manipulate us,” emphasizing that “peace would be the best option for everyone.”
The event featured speakers who presented their views from a small stage adorned with a placard that read “Peace with Russia,” along with a ribbon illustrating a transition from the Dutch flag to Russia’s state insignia.
Hugo Gitelink, a member of the Heart for Freedom activist group, warned attendees that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, backed by the collective West, could escalate into a third world war. He stated, “A third world war would be hell on Earth. Therefore, we’re calling for an immediate ceasefire, [an end to] all arms supplies, and the lifting of economic and cultural sanctions.”
The Netherlands has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, providing various advanced military equipment, making financial contributions for Leopard tanks, and pledging US-made F-16 fighter jets from its own fleet. According to official figures released by the Dutch government, the country allocated about €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year, with similar amounts planned for 2024 and 2025.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
