NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commented on the words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the increase in NATO countries' budgets. Rutte noted that since Lavrov's appointment, nothing useful has come from his lips.
The NATO summit in The Hague demonstrated the growth of European defence spending, but calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine indicate a change in mood. NATO has refocused on deterring Russia, while Ukraine faces heavy casualties on the frontline and the risk of losing territory.
At the summit in The Hague, Czech President Petr Pavel suggested to Donald Trump that economic pressure on Russia be increased, similar to "the US success with China". This should force the Kremlin to negotiate, though without causing an economic collapse of the Russian Federation.
Beijing views SCO countries as an "anchor of stability" amid international conflicts. NATO is observing China's reorganization and military buildup.
The Chinese government has called on NATO to correct its “misconception” of the Asian giant. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said that China is reorganizing and building up its military power. NATO sees what China, North Korea, and Iran are doing, emphasized the NATO Secretary General.
The NATO Summit in The Hague concluded with most Alliance countries agreeing to increase defense spending to 5%. Ukraine participated as an honored guest.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leaders of the E5 format states and the NATO Secretary General. Strengthening Ukraine's air defense, including against Iranian "Shaheds", and pressure on Russia due to its unwillingness to end the war, including sanctions, were discussed.
US President Donald Trump reacted to the joking words of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who called him "daddy". Trump jokingly threatened to "punch him in the face", expressing sympathy.
US President Donald Trump called the decision of NATO countries to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP a "historic milestone". This is necessary to protect against the terrible situation between Russia and Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the necessity of providing Ukraine with everything it needs to prevent repeated Russian aggression. NATO will support Ukraine for a lasting peace.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has declared his distrust of Putin, citing lies about Russia's involvement in the MH17 disaster. Rutte also reaffirmed the Alliance's support for Ukraine on its path to NATO membership.
US President Donald Trump has declared his support for Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which means mutual defense of all alliance members. This confirmation came during the summit, despite previous comments that caused some confusion among NATO members.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed unwavering support for Ukraine on its path to membership in the Alliance. NATO is committed to providing Ukraine with 35 billion euros in aid this year to ensure peace.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced a decision to raise the defense spending of member countries of the Alliance to 5% of GDP. Of this amount, 3.5% will be directed to financing troops and necessary equipment, and 1.5% to support investments in security.
At the summit in The Hague, NATO member states agreed to significantly increase defence spending, committing to invest 5% of GDP annually in core defence needs until 2035. The Declaration reaffirms the commitment to support Ukraine.
During the NATO summit, Mark Rutte commented on Donald Trump's statements regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump compared the countries to fighting children and stated that both sides had violated the truce.
Ukraine's prospects of joining NATO are diminishing, but the Alliance is considering increasing investment in the arms industry. So far, the US has not committed to providing further weapons, but European countries are financing the production of Ukrainian combat drones.
Keir Starmer says NATO allies are "absolutely committed" to the importance of the alliance. He stressed that NATO is as relevant as ever and has become stronger and larger.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allies are increasing defense spending so that the US does not bear the entire burden on itself. This will strengthen the security and economy of NATO countries, which will continue to support Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance remains a key pillar of security, despite global threats. He emphasized the commitment to Article 5 on collective defense and announced an increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the increase in NATO defense spending is a result of members' "own convictions", and not a favor. NATO leaders plan to officially approve an increase in spending to 5% of GDP, which is attributed to pressure from Donald Trump.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine will be an important topic at this year's summit. The main issues will be further support for Ukraine and achieving lasting peace.
The United Kingdom plans to acquire 12 F-35A fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will expand the country's deterrence arsenal. This decision is part of a significant strengthening of the UK's nuclear position and its contribution to NATO.
Russia is preparing the public and military for a potential war with NATO. NATO Secretary General Rutte points to Russia as the biggest existential threat and warns of a possible attack within 3-7 years, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy believes that Russia will be ready for war with NATO by 2030.
World leaders gathered for dinner with the Dutch Royal Family. President Zelenskyy is seated at a separate table from Trump, who sat with key allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with EU and NATO leaders to coordinate efforts. Issues of strengthening Ukraine, defense cooperation, negotiations on EU membership, and new sanctions against the Russian Federation were discussed.
Denmark has allocated almost 3. 3 billion hryvnias for launching Ukrainian defense production on its territory. This project is the first step of the Build with Ukraine initiative, agreed upon during the Ramstein format meeting in Brussels, and will strengthen cooperation in the defense sector.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has launched 28,743 Shahed drones at Ukraine, 2,736 of them in June of this year. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would not be able to shoot down these drones without the help of partners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Dutch parliament for assistance that saves lives in Ukraine, including air defense systems and investments in defense. He also coordinated steps with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the NATO summit and strengthening air defense.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in The Hague. They coordinated steps within the framework of the NATO summit, discussed strengthening air defense and supporting Ukraine's defense production.