Zelensky at NATO Summit in The Hague: Support for Ukraine and Meetings with European Leaders
On the sidelines of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a number of important meetings with leaders of European countries and allies. The main event was a meeting with representatives of the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Poland, France, the NATO Secretary General and the President of Ukraine, which took place on Wednesday and became a platform for discussing current security issues and support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. According to reports, the Italian Prime Minister's office noted that the meeting contributed to the deepening of efforts and coordination of positions on supporting the United States in its efforts to establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The discussion focused on the issue of Russia showing seriousness of intentions and willingness to participate in the negotiations, abandoning previous attempts to block diplomatic solutions. Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation and their European colleagues emphasized their unwavering support for Kyiv, its position on self-defense and the development of the defense industry. It should be noted that the meetings took place against the backdrop of high tensions in the region and served as an important platform for agreeing on further steps to strengthen sanctions against Russia. The participants emphasized that pressure through new sanctions remains one of the key instruments of diplomatic pressure and must continue until Russia ceases its aggressive actions. Prior to this, within the framework of the summit in The Hague, Zelensky also met with United States President Donald Trump. The conversation lasted about 45 minutes and included a discussion of a wide range of issues - from the situation in the Middle East to the protection of Ukrainian citizens, the purchase of American air defense systems and the results of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. The meeting with Trump became an important element of Ukraine's diplomatic schedule during the most tense period of the conflict, as the final decision of the NATO summit was signed at the same time, which enshrines the obligations of member states to support Ukraine by increasing defense spending. This is a clear signal of Allied unity in confronting Russian aggression and a confirmation of European and American support in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.