THE HAGUE, December 5. /TASS/. Russia has seized the initiative in the Ukraine conflict, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.

"One can even say that Ukraine is losing the war," he noted, according to the Netherlands' ANP news agency.

Brekelmans pointed out in a parliamentary debate that Moscow was capturing increasingly large areas in the east, and Russia's "military might is growing." Moreover, Ukraine’s infrastructure facilities are under relentless attack from missiles and drones.

In this regard, the opposition asked why the Netherlands was not providing more aid to Ukraine. The defense chief said in response that the country had the means to assist Kiev. Brekelmans pointed to high international demand for weapons as the main obstacle, citing the shortage of Patriot missiles on the market as an example.

According to the Dutch Defense Ministry, the country has spent 3.76 bln euros on military assistance to Ukraine, which includes F-16 fighter jets and their equipment, as well as tanks, artillery pieces and armored vehicles.