On 27 November, the first round of the Ukraine–Netherlands Cyber Dialogue took place in Warsaw, in fulfilment of the relevant provisions of the bilateral security agreement.
The consultations brought together representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Security Service of Ukraine. The meeting was co-chaired by Anton Demokhin, Deputy Foreign Minister, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, and Ernst Noorman, Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Affairs of the Netherlands.
During the discussions, the parties reviewed national cybersecurity frameworks and institutional mechanisms, the role of the security and defence sectors, the evolving cyber threat landscape, approaches to the protection of critical infrastructure, and the importance of effective public – private partnership. Particular attention was devoted to the lessons learned from the cyber dimension of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Dutch experience in establishing and operating cyber defence forces, as well as issues of cyber diplomacy and the coordination of international cyber assistance — including through the Tallinn Mechanism and the IT Coalition.
The first round of the Cyber Dialogue laid the groundwork for strengthened practical cooperation between key actors of the national cybersecurity systems of both countries, ensuring steady information exchange and the implementation of joint initiatives aimed at enhancing cyber resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, and coordinating efforts to counter cyber threats emanating from Russia and its proxies. The parties also identified the deepening of private-sector cooperation in cybersecurity as a priority area.
“Ukraine stands ready to share with our Dutch partners the experience in cyber defence gained in countering Russia’s cyber aggression,” - emphasised the Deputy Foreign Minister.
Anton Demokhin expressed gratitude to the Dutch side for its consistent support in strengthening Ukraine’s cyber resilience and capabilities through its engagement in the Tallinn Mechanism and the IT Coalition.
“Ukraine is committed to building a long-term, mutually beneficial framework of cooperation with the Netherlands in the sphere of cybersecurity — one that encompasses strategic joint projects, the exchange of information and technologies, and the development of professional competencies. We have a strong foundation, substantial potential, and clearly aligned objectives to advance this work,” - the Deputy Foreign Minister stressed.
The Dutch side reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, reiterated its commitment to assisting the strengthening of cybersecurity of Ukrainian institutions and infrastructure both during the ongoing war and throughout post - war recovery, and underscored its readiness to contribute to enhancing collective capabilities to address challenges in cyberspace.
Both sides highlighted the central importance of mutual trust for effective cooperation in cybersecurity and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen partnership within the Tallinn Mechanism on a win-win basis — whereby Ukraine gains access to technologies and financial support, while Dutch companies benefit from Ukraine’s unique practical experience.