Latest news with #WNLopZondag
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Netherlands backs Zelensky's presence at upcoming NATO summit
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on May 25 he wants President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the NATO summit in The Hague next month, Dutch daily NRC reported. Italy's ANSA news agency reported earlier this month that the United States opposed Zelensky's participation, citing unnamed diplomatic sources. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied the claims. "We are looking at how we can get a place in the program for Zelensky and other Ukrainians," Brekelmans said during an appearance on the Dutch television program WNL op Zondag, according to NRC. "As far as the Netherlands is concerned, Zelensky is welcome at every meeting." While it remains unclear whether Zelensky would be allowed to address the full plenary session with all 32 NATO allies, Brekelmans did not rule out alternative formats. "It can also be in another form. Whether that will be in a session with (U.S. President Donald) Trump, I don't know," he added. 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. The June 24-25 summit in The Hague will be the first one led by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to NATO officials who spoke with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Rutte will need to navigate a delicate political landscape and manage Trump's expectations. NATO allies are also likely to announce a new collective commitment to boost defense expenditures to 5% of GDP – a dramatic leap from the current 2% target. Of that, 3.5% would go to weapons and artillery, with 1.5% allocated for cybersecurity and military infrastructure, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. To minimize internal disagreements, the summit has reportedly been shortened from three days to two. Discussions are expected to focus on defense spending and strengthening the defense industrial base. Notably, this year's communique may omit direct mention of both Russia and Ukraine — a contrast to past summits where Ukraine dominated the agenda. One NATO official told RFE/RL that referencing Ukraine at all could open the door to internal disputes and a watered-down message. In 2024, the Alliance adopted the Ukraine Compact, a long-term security framework signed by all 32 NATO members. The compact, which was built upon the 2023 G7 declaration in Vilnius, outlines commitments to train Ukrainian forces, provide military and economic aid, and respond collectively in the event of renewed Russian aggression. Read also: 'Putin remains confident in Russia's ultimate victory in Ukraine,' US intelligence reports We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Organisers looking for ways to include Zelenskyy in NATO summit programme
Ruben Brekelmans, Dutch Defence Minister, whose country is hosting the June NATO leaders' summit, has said the Netherlands is looking for ways to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the programme of the Hague summit. Source: European Pravda, citing remarks by Brekelmans on the programme WNL op Zondag, as reported by Dutch newspaper NRC Details: Brekelmans commented on the possible participation of Zelenskyy in the NATO leaders' meeting, saying that "we are looking for a way to include [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and other Ukrainians in the programme". It is unlikely to be a plenary session attended by the leaders of all 32 NATO member states. At the previous summit in Washington last July, the Ukrainian president joined the leaders of all member states. However, this year, media reports suggest the Ukraine-NATO Council – which allows for such a format – will most likely not be held, and the summit itself will be shortened to avoid any conflict with US President Donald Trump. Brekelmans noted that a meeting with Zelenskyy could take another form, but did not specify what kind. Brekelmans said he did not know whether it would be a session involving US President Donald Trump, but added that, as far as the Netherlands was concerned, Zelenskyy was always a welcome guest at any meeting. The minister also reaffirmed that Ukraine's future NATO membership is "irreversible", despite recent comments from the US government. Brekelmans added that even under Biden, it had never been stated that this could happen in the near future, and that nothing had changed in this regard. Background: In an effort to stay on good terms with Trump, NATO is preparing a mini-declaration for the Hague summit – likely with no mention of Ukraine. Media previously reported that the US was opposed to inviting Zelenskyy to the NATO summit. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied this information. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
