As Russia continues to intensify its onslaught on Ukraine more than three years into the full-scale invasion, Kyiv faces a new challenge – keeping its Western allies, namely the new U.S. administration, engaged in the struggle. This became clear during the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24-25, where
"I said the same determination is needed to achieve two other important ceasefires," Meloni said.
The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek sits down with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the sidelines of the NATO summit to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to the Alliance, how the Israel-Iran escalation affects NATO's focus on Ukraine, and why Europe must take more responsibility for its own defense.
The leaders also reaffirmed support for Ukraine, stating that direct contributions to Ukraine's defense and industrial capacity will be counted toward the 5% total.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine at a NATO summit in The Hague.
Although Article 5 is central to NATO’s security framework, U.S. President Donald Trump has previously expressed skepticism about honoring it, often criticizing member states for not contributing enough to shared defense efforts.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to scale up investments in joint weapons production, including drone technologies, artillery, and interceptors. He argued that Ukraine's defense capabilities are not only key to defending its own territory, but essential to strengthening NATO's long-term security.
Upon arrival in The Hague on June 24, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office, said he held a "substantive" discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the upcoming Zelensky-Trump meeting.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said NATO's role is to ensure Ukraine has the military means to stay in the fight until "serious" peace negotiations begin.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a press briefing on June 23 that Russia remains the main threat to the alliance, citing Moscow's cooperation with China, North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.
"(Trump) has to get credit for the 5% — that's why we're having the summit," one unnamed European defense official told Politico. "Everything else is being streamlined to minimize risk."
President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to attend a NATO summit in The Hague next week, the European Council confirmed on June 20.
"This issue is certainly not on the NATO agenda and nobody has formulated an expectation that there will be an invitation in The Hague, nor have we heard that from the Ukrainians themselves," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said in comments quoted by the LRT broadcaster.
According to the Guardian, some in Kyiv are unsure if President Volodymyr Zelensky's presence at the summit would be worthwhile without a confirmed meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The appointment came "at a critical time for the future of Ukraine, for the future of NATO itself, and, of course, for Ukraine's future in NATO. I realize the responsibility," Aliona Hetmanchuk said on her Facebook page on June 13.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's comments follow reporting that this year's summit communique may exclude references to Russia and Ukraine.
"We were invited to the NATO summit. I think this is important," President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a June 2 online press conference attended by the Kyiv Independent.
"We are looking at how we can get a place in the program for Zelensky and other Ukrainians," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said during an appearance on the Dutch television program WNL op Zondag.
* Russian semiconductor plant making missile, jet parts hit in Ukrainian attack, military says * Putin visits Kursk Oblast for first time since Moscow claimed its recapture * Ukraine dismisses Russian claims of full control over Kursk Oblast, says fighting ongoing * Russia massing troops near Kharkiv Oblast ahead of possible attack, military warns
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 15 denied reports that the United States opposes President Volodymyr Zelensky's participation at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.
Later in the day on May 15, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied reports that the United States opposes Zelensky's participation at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.
U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit in The Hague in June, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on April 4, Reuters reported.
The joint declaration at the Washington summit last year included a commitment to "develop recommendations on NATO's strategic approach to Russia, taking into account the changing security environment."
Key commitments from NATO's July summit in Washington, including air defense systems and other military support, have not yet been fully implemented, President Volodymyr Zelensky told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Nov. 27.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic has refused to approve the participation of Croatian soldiers in NATO's mission to support Ukraine, citing concerns about the conflict potentially spreading to Croatia and prioritizing the safety of his country.
Orban refused to back military support for Ukraine during the summit on July 11 and suggested that Kyiv should not join the alliance, according to Bloomberg’s sources
Ukraine should become a NATO member sooner rather than later to ensure security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an interview with CNN on July 12.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This year’s NATO summit ended better than last year’s, but with no firm invitation to enter the alliance and Ukraine’s needs on the battlefield mounting, some observers believe the lack of commitment gives Russia the green light to carry on with its war. While
Seoul previously donated $12 million to the NATO-Ukraine Trust Fund for healthcare and rehabilitation of injured soldiers.
"This historic Compact creates a unified and comprehensive security architecture to support Ukraine today and in the future, in war and in peace," a White House press briefing said.
"As threats to peace and security become increasingly complex, Canada and our government stand ready to step up," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
Speaking after the conclusion of the three-day NATO summit in Washington, Biden fielded questions on his record and foreign policy while avoiding direct answers regarding Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weapons.
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