Latest news with #BucharestNine
Budapest Times
3 days ago
- General
- Budapest Times
Defense Minister: Hungary plays active role in strengthening NATO's eastern flank
At a meeting focused on the Russia-Ukraine war, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the allies needed to refrain from any steps that might hinder the success of the United States' peace efforts or could lead to an escalation of the conflict. The meeting also touched on regional security, strengthening NATO's eastern flank and increasing defense investments. Eastern NATO countries had been under serious pressure since the start of the war in Ukraine to bolster their defenses in response to the threat to their east, Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky said, according to a ministry statement. He said that as a credible ally, Hungary made 'outstanding efforts' relative to its size and opportunities to contribute to NATO's activities. Monday's summit of the presidents of the Bucharest Nine, comprising Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia and the Nordics (Denmark, Finland, Iceland Norway and Sweden) was held in preparation for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. Hungary was represented by the defense minister on behalf of President Tamás Sulyok.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Zelenskiy announces military shakeup, commander who resigned given new assignment
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a press conference, on the day of the NATO Bucharest Nine (B9) meeting, in Vilnius, Lithuania, June 2, 2025. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced a shakeup in Ukraine's military on Tuesday, including the appointment to a new post of a commander who tendered his resignation over a deadly Russian attack. Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, who offered to quit as commander of Ukraine's land forces over an attack on a training area, would now serve as the new commander of joint forces. Zelenskiy said another commander, whom he did not identify, would take charge of land forces. He said the appointment had also been approved of Oleh Apostol as commander of paratroops and Robert Brovdi as commander of unmanned systems. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ukraine invited to NATO summit, Zelensky says
Ukraine has been invited to the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague between June 24 and 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a June 2 online press conference attended by the Kyiv Independent. "We were invited to the NATO summit. I think this is important," Zelensky said, adding that he held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the Vilnius summit of the Bucharest Nine (B9) and the Nordic countries on June 2. "Now, (Foreign Minister Andrii) Sybiha will be speaking with his colleagues regarding infrastructure and what potential outcomes may arise from this summit in The Hague." Zelensky did not specify who would be representing Ukraine at the summit or whether he would attend the event himself. The statement follows speculations that the allies decided not to invite Ukraine to the annual summit due to opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later denied the claims, and the Netherlands said it would welcome Zelensky's attendance. At the previous NATO summit in Washington in 2024, Zelensky was a prominent presence, engaging directly with allied leaders. This year, the tone appears more cautious as NATO members weigh how to handle Ukraine's future in the alliance amid renewed questions about U.S. commitment. Trump has claimed that Ukraine provoked the war by pursuing NATO membership, a narrative often used by Russian propaganda to justify its 2022 full-scale invasion. He also signaled plans to reduce U.S. military presence in Europe and has been reluctant to provide new military support to Kyiv. Earlier reporting suggested that this year's communique may omit direct mention of both Russia and Ukraine — a contrast to past summits where Ukraine dominated the agenda. Read also: 'Idiots' — Zelensky slams Russia's proposal for brief truce to retrieve fallen soldiers' bodies We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Ukrainian president, NATO chief meet in Vilnius
Kiev, June 3 (UNI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Bucharest Nine and the Nordic Countries Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. In a post on Telegram, Zelensky said he had briefed Rutte on the outcome of the talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Türkiye. "I informed him about the agreements reached during today's talks in Istanbul regarding the exchange of prisoners and the return of children, as well as Russia's rejection of the simplest possible step -- an unconditional ceasefire," Zelensky said. Zelensky and Rutte also discussed the next diplomatic steps and defense support for Ukraine. Later in the day, Zelensky announced that Ukraine was invited to the NATO Summit scheduled to take place on June 24-25 in The Hague. UNI XINHUA GNK
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelenskyy and NATO secretary general discuss "proper representation" of Ukraine at next summit
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic summit in Vilnius on Monday 2 June. Source: European Pravda; Zelenskyy on Telegram Details: The Ukrainian president said he had told Rutte about the agreements reached during the Istanbul talks on the exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children, as well as Russia's refusal to unconditionally cease fire. "Only a significant increase in pressure can change this refusal," Zelenskyy stressed. Zelenskyy and Rutte also discussed further diplomatic steps and defence support for Kyiv, with an emphasis on longer-range aircraft. "It is also important that Ukraine is properly represented at the next NATO summit in The Hague. This will send the right signal to Russia," Zelenskyy said. Background: Earlier, it was reported that because of US President Donald Trump, NATO is preparing a mini-declaration for the summit in The Hague, likely without mentioning Ukraine. There have also been reports that the US is opposed to Zelenskyy being invited to the NATO summit. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied these reports. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
