Dutch veterans to march from Hague to Ukraine in support of AFU

According to Ukrinform's correspondent in The Hague, the 2,000-kilometer march will start near the Dutch Ministry of Defense.

“Mission Kyiv turns solidarity into action - overcoming physical and mental barriers to deliver aid directly to those who need it. Every day, the participants plan to cover up to 120 km at a military pace, carrying 12 kg of equipment behind them - it will be a real challenge both physically and mentally,” Ksenia Negrutsa-Godska, founder of the Netherlands for Ukraine charity foundation, told Ukrinform.

She said that three Ukrainian veterans who are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in the Netherlands will join the participants.

“Their participation in the race is not only a gesture of gratitude, but also a symbol of international unity, courage and recovery,” Negruta-Godska said.

The event was initiated by Marine Corps veteran Robin Imthorne, a Legion of Honor recipient who has developed a deep understanding of post-traumatic growth. He has already worked with Ukrainian medical professionals on trauma recovery. His personal experience with PTSD has driven this mission.

“For many Ukrainian veterans, the war never ends. That is why we must act. Together,” Imthorne emphasized.

Before the start, a meeting with representatives of the Dutch Defense Ministry and the army, Ukrainian veterans undergoing rehabilitation in the Netherlands, and representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy will be held at the Dutch Defense Ministry.

“The expected arrival is around June 14, at the Ukrainian border. Each kilometer is worth 50 euros of donations that will bring the team closer to the goal. This is not just a physical challenge - it is a new mission. A mission of support,” emphasized Negruta-Godska.

At the finish line, on the border with Ukraine, the participants will be met by Ukrainian veterans, representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and partner charitable organizations.

“During the solemn meeting, the Dutch team will symbolically hand over the backpacks they will carry for 2000 km, sign Ukrainian flags, and hand over medical aid to the final recipients - the Ukrainian military. It is planned to transfer: 1000 turnstiles, medical equipment, and a symbolic check for psychological support for the Lisova Polyana Rehabilitation Center. After the ceremony, the veterans of the Superhumans Center will pick up the baton and continue the race towards the Superhumans Center. Veterans with various injuries will join the marathon, demonstrating their solidarity with their comrades and proving that life goes on even after the most severe losses, and support matters,” said Negruta-Godska.

The mission is being implemented in cooperation with the Netherlands for Ukraine Foundation (NL4UA), a non-profit organization with ANBI status, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Veterans Institute (NLVi). The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Netherlands for Ukraine charitable foundation brought 142 people from Ukraine to the Netherlands and provides them with full support in their treatment.

Photo by Ksenia Negrutsa-Godska