Dutch ambassador to Ukraine

Dutch ambassador in Kyiv

Roelof van Ees has been ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine since 2026.
See the curriculum vitae of ambassador Ees on rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch). And read a curriculum vitae in English 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.

CURRICULUM VITAE

ROELOF S. VAN EES

Date of Birth                                      24 April 1963
Place of Birth                                     Amsterdam
 
Professional career
30 July 2026 - Ambassador to Ukraine            
2023 – 2026 - Roving Head of Mission for special assignments
2019 - 2023 - Ambassador to Romania, co-accredited in Moldova
2018 - 2019 - Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ireland
2014 - 2018 - Director of Protocol and Host Country Affairs, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
2013 - 2014 - Project Manager for reform of the Dutch diplomatic network abroad, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
2008 - 2012 - Senior Government Relations Adviser, Headquarters Royal Dutch Shell, The Hague
2004 - 2008 - Head Consular Legal Affairs Section, Directorate for Consular Affairs, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
2000 - 2004 - Political Affairs Section, Netherlands Permanent Representation to the OSCE, Vienna
1997 - 2000 - Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Almaty
1994 - 1997 - Policy Officer, UN Political Affairs Department, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
1991 - 1994 - Embassy Secretary, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vienna 
 
Military Service  
1989 - 1990 - Military Service, Reserve Officer, School Military Intelligence, Ede, Netherlands
 
Education
1986 - 1988 - Postgraduate degree Diplomatic Academy Vienna
1981 - 1986 - Master’s degree in Law, University of Utrecht
 
Languages                                          
Dutch, English, German, French, Russian and Spanish

 

 

 

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.’