Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine | Alle Dorhout | Room for Discussion

Join us for an exclusive interview with Alle Dorhout, the Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine and former Director of Intelligence at the AIVD. With valuable insights into the intersection of diplomacy and intelligence, Alle offers a firsthand perspective on navigating the complex political landscape during the war in Ukraine.

In this conversation, we dive deep into the history of the conflict, explore how it is leveraged in diplomacy, and discuss how intelligence can shape more informed decisions. With the shifting geopolitical landscape and the U.S. distancing itself from former allies, we ask the critical questions that every diplomat faces today.

This interview took place at the University of Amsterdam on the 6th of June 2025.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Opening Remarks
01:25 From Historian to History-Maker
02:30 Living and Working in Kyiv
03:52 Common Misconceptions about the Life in Ukraine
04:48 Visiting Frontline & Dick Schoof Story
06:30 Intelligence Meets Diplomacy
07:58 Russian Propaganda & Cyber War
09:41 Key Narratives that Russia Pushes 
10:32 Russia - Land Colonialism & Imperialism
11:32 Why the Netherlands Supports Ukraine? 
14:04 Malaysia Airlines MH17
15:45 Diplomatic work during the Politic Divisions in the Netherlands 
18:24 Ukraine’s Path to EU Membership
23:04 Security Guarantees 
24:43 Audience Questions Round 1
25:57 2016 Dutch Ukraine–EU Referendum
28:08 Benefits of having Ukraine in the EU
31:06 Russia’s Broken Promises. The prospect of the Peace Deal 
33:29 The Main Goal Russia Pursues
33:53 Peace Deal with No Accountability
35:57 Ukrainian Prisoners of War
37:22 If NATO is off the Table, what Security Guarantees can Ukraine secure?
39:22 Ukraine Regaining Nuclear Weapons?
39:51 Can the EU act as a Unified Block if the US leaves?
41:30 US supporting EU Sceptics in Europe
43:11 EU Strategic Autonomy
44:58 Are we Ready to Invest in our Defence?
46:07 Building Support for Ukraine in Africa
53:15 Audience Questions Round 2
56:40 Europe’s Wake-Up Call
59:16 Conclusion
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