Zelensky conducts active diplomacy at NATO summit: talks with Trump and European leaders
During this year's NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not only participating in general political events, but also holding a number of important bilateral meetings with international leaders who are of strategic importance for Ukraine and its future in the Alliance. In the first days of the summit in The Hague, the Ukrainian leader has already met with several high-ranking officials, including former US President Donald Trump, which indicates the intensification of Ukrainian-American dialogue and Ukraine's desire to consolidate its position on the international stage. According to sources of "European Truth" in The Hague, the parties have brought to a logical conclusion the agreement on holding a separate bilateral meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. It is noted that the talks between the leaders will take place immediately after the end of the NATO plenary session, approximately at the beginning of the second working day of the summit. This is a significant step for Ukraine, as it will allow for the formal definition of further cooperation strategies, the discussion of support from the United States, and a focus on security issues. During these talks, in the presence of journalists, the leaders are expected to make joint statements emphasizing the importance of strengthening Ukrainian-American relations in the context of the threat of Russian aggression and Euro-Atlantic security in general. The priority will be to discuss possible approaches to further integration of Ukraine into NATO and strengthening its defense capabilities with the support of partner countries. In addition to Trump, the Ukrainian president also plans to meet with other leaders of the E5 format - which includes Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Poland. This format is an important political platform for discussing Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, security guarantees, and coordinating positions on further steps in confronting aggression. Another significant event will be Zelensky’s separate meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lax. This demonstrates Ukraine’s desire to more actively involve various international partners and find new allies in the fight for security and territorial integrity. In The Hague, the Ukrainian leader has already held a number of important meetings with representatives of other countries that have a profound influence on world politics. In particular, he met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and also informed the leadership of the European Union and the leadership of the NATO Secretariat about Ukraine’s state policy and its aspirations for membership in the Alliance. It should also be noted that the NATO Secretary General made an important statement that marked the continuation of Ukraine’s unquestionable move towards full membership in the North Atlantic Alliance. According to him, the process of Ukraine's adaptation to NATO standards and further integration is irreversible and will be supported after the Hague Summit. In general, this event is marked by a high level of diplomatic activity of the Ukrainian leadership and is aimed at consolidating strategic partnership relations, as well as promoting Ukrainian issues in the context of Euro-Atlantic security and defense. The summit's results and outcomes will be covered in later analytical publications, in particular in the article "All about the NATO Summit in The Hague - a combination of achievements and challenges", which will reveal in detail its successes and problematic issues that remained open.