The Netherlands announced it will deploy two Patriot air defense systems, backed by 300 soldiers, to Poland in a bid to reinforce NATO’s eastern defenses and sustain support for Ukraine. The deployment, set to run from December until June, comes as European allies coordinate fresh security guarantees for Kyiv and follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s rejection of sending U.S. ground troops.

Strengthening NATO’s Frontline

The Patriot batteries and personnel will shield a major NATO logistics hub used for channeling aid into Ukraine. Dutch officials confirmed the package also includes NASAMS and anti-drone systems, providing layered air defense capacity against Russia’s expanding missile and drone arsenal.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said: “This deployment contributes to three important goals: defending NATO territory, discouraging Russian aggression, and providing continued support to Ukraine. This way, we keep the Russian threat as far at bay as possible.”

Wider Dutch Commitments

The deployment follows a July memorandum tightening military cooperation between the Netherlands and Poland. The Dutch military had already pledged to base four F-35 fighter jets in Poland, reinforcing its role as a frontline NATO state bordering Russia and Belarus.

Beyond troop deployments, the Netherlands committed €500 million to a U.S.-led initiative enabling European states to buy American weaponry for direct transfer to Ukraine, marking a new financial channel of support.

Security Guarantees for Ukraine

The announcement came just after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington, where they discussed long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. While Trump reaffirmed U.S. commitment, he ruled out deploying U.S. troops, though he left open the possibility of providing air support.

European Council President Antonio Costa suggested a European-led package of security assurances for Ukraine could take shape “as soon as this week.”