"Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans was asked why he and the EU were talking about more arms to Ukraine during ongoing peace talks, as he arrived for the meeting in Brussels on Monday. "Some Dutch people might find it a bit confusing. There are talks about peace. And then they think, well, is the Netherlands going to send weapons to Ukraine again? Could you explain why, in your opinion, is necessary?" one reporter put to him. "The Prime Minister also mentioned last week that this is not a moment to wait," Brekelmans replied. "But how can it also help Ukraine in the negotiation language?" they continued. "Basically for two reasons. Firstly, that Russia, while they are at the table, but daily continue with terror. And that their tactic and strategy is to break the will of the Ukrainian population," the Dutch minister claimed. "Secondly, if Russia feels that they have the upper hand and can hurt Ukraine, they are also less inclined to make concessions at the negotiating table." Talks continued over the weekend between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Ukrainian side, now led by Rustem Umerov - after previous team head Andriy Yermak quit his post amid the ongoing Ukraine corruption scandal. US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin this week."