Dutch military support for Ukraine has now topped €1 billion, defence minister Kajsa Ollongren has told MPs in her latest update.

Around half the aid is in the form of equipment which is having an impact on the Dutch armed forces’ capabilities, but still at an acceptable level, Ollongren said.

In addition, the Netherlands has given Ukraine financial support via various funds, some of which has been refunded via the EU.

Last month prime minister Mark Rutte said the Netherlands is prepared to buy tanks it currently leases from Germany and send them to Ukraine, but that he is also open to other ideas.

‘Those talks are ongoing,’ Rutte said. ‘We could also put the tanks to use in other ways and those discussions are also taking place… we are prepared to take a decision.’