The Netherlands has allocated a further €3.5 billion to support Ukraine in 2026, but far-right leader Geert Wilders has refused to back the move.

Prime minister Dick Schoof told MPs during an often bad-tempered debate on the war in Ukraine on Wednesday night that the funding was a continuation of the strategy the Dutch government has followed since the Russian invasion.

The move was welcomed by the ruling VVD, with party leader Dilan Yesilgöz saying the party would reassess if more funds are needed later. “This is about our own security,” Yesilgöz told MPs.

However, Wilders, leader of the PVV, said he would not support the measure unless money was also allocated to boosting spending power for Dutch citizens, calling for more funding for cheaper groceries, lower rents, and reduced energy bills.

The government accord outlining policy for the next four years includes a commitment to “undiminished” support for Ukraine. However, the term does not appear in the coalition agreement signed last year by the four ruling parties. “That means we, as a party, are not tied to it,” Wilders said. “I cannot support such an amount.”

The pro-countryside coalition party BBB has also come out against the payment.

Spring talks

Ministers have now begun work on their spring financial statement, and ways to cut household bills will be considered as part of that process, Schoof said. MPs from across the political spectrum want more to be done to compensate households for rising prices.

PVV support is not necessary to secure majority backing for the new Ukraine financial package but the issue again highlights divisions between the coalition parties, particularly the PVV and VVD.

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Up to February this year, the Netherlands has provided more than €5.88 billion in military support to Ukraine, according to the foreign affairs and defence ministries.

Earlier in the day, Schoof informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the Netherlands is also investing €700 million in drones.

European leaders are meeting in Brussels on Thursday for further discussions on the crisis.