The Russian Embassy in the Netherlands accused Dutch Defense Minister D. Yeşilgöz-Zegerius on Oct. 8 of seeking to provoke armed conflict, saying she had publicly described Russia as an “enemy.”
In a statement for TASS posted on Telegram, the embassy demanded clarification from Dutch authorities. It questioned whether the minister’s remarks represented the government’s position and signaled a move toward direct military confrontation with Russia.
The statement did not reproduce the minister’s original remarks or identify when or where she made them. Its accusation that she sought armed conflict was the embassy’s characterization of her comments.
The embassy described the remarks as unacceptable and accused Yeşilgöz-Zegerius of lacking diplomatic restraint. It said her comments reflected what it viewed as the Dutch government’s confrontational approach toward Russia.
“In fact, she has shamelessly revealed her desire to provoke an armed conflict with our country.”
The embassy denied that Russia intended aggression against Europe or the Netherlands. It also warned that Russia would reject threats and ultimatums.
Any infringement on Russian security or sovereignty would draw an “immediate, swift and crushing response,” the statement said. It did not specify a Dutch action that would trigger that response.
No response from the minister or the Dutch government appeared in the supplied material.
The embassy called on Dutch authorities to clarify whether the minister was speaking for the government and explain remarks it described as belligerent and irresponsible.
