Interview Dutch ambassador in Ukraine Alle Dorhout - Ukraine
Interview Dutch ambassador in Ukraine
Alle Dorhout
Alle Dorhout has been ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine since 2024.
See the curriculum vitae of ambassador Dorhout on rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch). And read the interview below.
Peace and security has been a constant theme of Alle Dorhout’s career. Previously, he worked at the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) as Director of Intelligence. Before joining the AIVD, he served as Director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and before that worked in the Balkans, South Sudan and Somalia. As Dutch ambassador to Ukraine, Alle considers it the most important part of his job to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence, justice and sovereignty.
You took up your post in Kyiv as Dutch ambassador to Ukraine in 2024. What was your impression of the country and the people when you arrived? And how has this changed over the past year?
‘The first things I noticed were the warm welcome my colleagues and I received, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. They are determined to be part of the West and to oppose Russian rule. In the year I have been here, none of this has changed. Ukrainians may be tired of the war, but they still stand strong.
I’ve also seen that the people here live in two realities. Yes, there is a gruesome, unnecessary war going on, with frequent air attacks and days spent worrying about loved ones. But what impresses me greatly is that the Ukrainians refuse to let the Russian attacks dictate how they lead their lives. So, when the weather is fine, people sit in the sun and enjoy a coffee or get a bite to eat at an outdoor cafe. They try to live as normally as possible.’
What is your most important task as ambassador?
‘My most important task is to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Ukrainians should be the ones deciding their future, not Russia. Of course I’m not doing this by myself, but together with an entire embassy team of around 40 people. We keep the Dutch government in The Hague informed, maintain our extensive network in Ukraine and remain in contact with the Ukrainian government.
In wartime, managing an embassy comes with some extra challenges. I have to keep an even closer eye on the welfare of my staff. Everyone here knows people who have been taken prisoner, tortured or even killed. If, on top of that, you haven’t slept well for weeks because of nighttime air raids, it can easily become too much.’
What are the most important topics the embassy works on?
‘Coordinating cooperation on defence between the Netherlands and Ukraine is the embassy’s main task and the one that is most important for the Ukrainian people. After the Netherlands donated the F-16s to Ukraine, someone came up to me in the street to thank us. The embassy recently organised an incoming trade mission, where Dutch drone manufacturers met with Ukrainian government representatives and businesses. The mission was very successful, and laid the groundwork for future cooperation.
Cooperation between the Netherlands and Ukraine is broader than just defence. The Dutch government also donates non-military aid to help with reconstruction in areas including agriculture, energy, health, water, veterans issues and demining. The EBRD, EIB, Worldbank and UNDP are important partners for the Netherlands. There are also initiatives by members of the Dutch public. We do not encourage them to come here because it can be dangerous. The travel advice is red for a reason. If people do choose to come, we cannot guarantee assistance but we try to do as much as possible.
While the Netherlands does take a strict line when it comes to candidate countries meeting the criteria for joining the European Union, we also assist Ukraine as much as possible in its efforts to meet those criteria. At the Lviv Conference between the Dutch and Ukrainian governments – organised by the embassy and Ukrainian counterparts last April – we spoke a lot about this, and addressed justice-related issues, energy infrastructure, agriculture and other topics.’
How do you relax after a day at work?
‘Finding ways to completely relax is tough, due to the frequent nighttime air raids. I always sleep in the bomb shelter in the basement of the residence. But even from the shelter I can hear both the explosions from the air defence system and hear the noise of incoming drones and cruise missiles. Because of this constant threat, we have to remain close to the bomb shelters and are only allowed to leave Kyiv with strict security measures in place. Because of the war, work goes on in the weekend as well.
Being Dutch, I of course brought my mountain bike, which is a great way to explore Kyiv. The Pechersk Lavra Monastery is nearby. I walk past it every time I go to the supermarket. I enjoy being in nature, and luckily there is a small forest within the city limits where I try to go hiking in the weekends. I did not bring a television, but whenever I can, I try to read as much as possible.’
What are you proud of? And what would you like to achieve?
‘I’m very proud of what the embassy has achieved under difficult circumstances. We do our best to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Russia must not be allowed to get away with disregarding international law and invading a neighbouring country. With over 20 billion euros in commitments, the Netherlands is one of the top five contributors of military and financial aid to Ukraine.
Finally, I’m very proud of the Ukrainian and Dutch staff at the embassy. The work is tough, and lot is being asked of us. It’s not always easy to work a full day after a sleepless night. But that’s part of the deal. Our Ukrainian colleagues have been dealing with the impact of war in their country for more than three years. And yet I never hear complaints.’